How to use this resource

Finding your way around

There are four kinds of page, and they are all connected to each other:

• Experiments — the practical steps, in order. Start at the introduction and work forwards with the "Next step" button.
• Background Biology — why each step works. Each experiment has its own set of background pages.
• Equipment — what each piece of apparatus is called and what it looks like.
• Vocabulary — signed definitions of the science words used in the experiments.

Every page that has a video also has the same information written in English, so the resource can be used with or without the signed clips. Videos are silent — they are signed in British Sign Language — so they can be played without disturbing a class.

On experiment and background pages you will also find quick links to the equipment, vocabulary and background biology for that experiment, plus a numbered list you can use to jump straight to a step.

Watching the videos

Videos play in the page with the standard browser controls. They are sized to fit the screen you are using, from a phone to a projector, and one size is used everywhere so that the same page works on every device.

If a video does not start, check that your browser allows embedded video, then try the download link underneath the player.

Privacy and cookies

This site sets no cookies and includes no advertising or third-party analytics. There is nothing to accept or dismiss.

Browsers and devices

The original resource was designed for a fixed desktop screen and tested against the browsers of its day. It has been rebuilt using standard HTML, CSS and video, so it works in any current browser — Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari — on desktop, tablet or phone.

Video is served as MP4 (H.264), which every modern browser can play. No plug-ins, special software or CD-ROM is needed.

Sound and vision

All experimental work should be carried out with the appropriate laboratory supervision and safety equipment. The written notes that accompany these experiments were supplied by the Life Science Education section of Bio-Rad.

Questions about the original project can be sent to sibe@ed.ac.uk.