An interactive online training course covering hands-on science activities is now available through the RSB myLearning portal.

The training course is designed to give teachers clear guidance on how to carry out Gopher Science Lab activities so they can confidently lead or supervise the activities during a lab day or classroom session.

The suite of practical science experiments included in Gopher Science Lab are suitable for teachers looking for hands-on science activities to engage and inspire pupils aged 10 to 14, and they can be run using household goods that are available in most supermarkets.

Since its launch in 2014, Gopher Science Lab has been used by more than of 21,000 students and 1,900 teachers worldwide.

The course develops teachers' understanding of the science underpinning the practical experiments, and features downloadable resources to help teachers use the activities in lessons, for science clubs, or during transition days for primary school pupils visiting their secondary school for the first time.

One teacher who took part in the online course commented: “Gopher Science Lab is a great resource for non-specialist and specialist teachers alike.

”My pupils loved the range of activities, with pupils rating them as 10/10.”

Another commented: “The straightforward nature of each activity and the simplicity of the components involved made it quick and safe to set up and clear away, and also meant that students could easily continue investigating science at home.”

Gopher Science Lab was created and developed by the Royal Society of Biology in collaboration with the Biochemical Society.

The course is free for teachers in Wales thanks to generous support received from the Welsh Government. General members access costs £15 for the course, and upon completion additional resources can be downloaded; the course qualifies for CPD points under the Royal Society of Biology scheme.

The online course is available on the RSB myLearning platform along with a suite of other courses aimed at supporting the Society’s membership and continuing professional development.