New Materials

"21st-century science" is a buzz phrase in curriculum development, particularly at KS4/GCSE level. This series, which is also appropriate for KS3, looks at some of the new directions science is taking, at the interface between science and technology, and also discusses the social repercussions involved. GENETICS covers the science of genetics - what it is and how it will impact on our lives in the future in various areas, such as medicine, crime-fighting and farming. It includes DNA, the human genome project, the growth of replacement body parts, and covers the ethical issues involved. NEW MATERIALS investigates how the use of materials developed in the latter half of the 20th century - mainly for the space programme - will affect us as this century progresses. Included are strong and flexible materials such as Mylar, Lexan and Teflon and superstrength metals such as titanium.