CLEAPSS Biology

Biology at CLEAPSS –present fascinating, future exciting!

Biology has been developing very rapidly over the last 40 years, and this is increasingly being reflected in the content of biology lessons.

To support these developments CLEAPSS has been working on a range of practicals, guidance and training courses to enable schools to meet the demands of this new curriculum in safe, engaging and innovative ways. We are also on hand to answer any queries you may have regarding Health Safety aspects of biology practical, whether new or old.

Measuring photosynthesis using a mobile phone

For microbiology resources please see our microbiology page

Latest news from CLEAPSS..

Calling all Biologists!

CLEAPSS Guide GL499 – DIY Centrifuge provides a complete, school ready design for a 12,000 RPM centrifuge with interlock, USB power and capacity for standard 1.5 ml tubes. Find it in What's New

The guide includes STL files for 3D printing the enclosure, rotor and handle, a DXF file for laser cutting the acrylic lid, a detailed components list, circuit diagram and fully illustrated assembly procedure. (Additional files found under GL499a)

Product Recalls

CLEAPSS is aware of an issue of Asbestos being present in sand based products.

These are commercially available products rather than a specialist school science/DT product. However, we are aware that some schools may have these products.

If you do have these products you should follow the advice given in the below link.

OPSS - Safety Alerts

Copper Sulfate

CLEAPSS has recently received multiple Helplines about incidents with copper sulfate.

This includes situations where pupils are deliberately consuming Copper Sulfate, please ensure you enforce the no eating / drinking rules in your labs and also are aware of how to deal with emergencies.

E-cards : How to deal with lab emergencies

No eating or drinking guidance

Please also review the updated Hazcard before using copper sulfate.

2025 Hazcard updates includes and update to the safety advice for copper sulfate. Hazcard 027C - Copper Sulfate

PP027 - Making copper sulfate crystals

A quick and safe method for preparing hydrated copper sulfate crystals and beautiful blue crystals may be obtained within 30 minutes.

LabAid

Do you have excess equipment taking up space ?

Or looking to help support practical work ?

Then have a look at the work that LabAid does.

The Practical Biologist - a hands-on biology booklet

We are proud to be part of this from Darwin Biological

New Resource for UK Schools!

Darwin Biological has launched The Practical Biologist - a hands-on biology booklet created with expert partners to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Copies are arriving in 4,500 UK secondary schools this week, and it’s free to view online: www.darwinbiological.co.uk
Packed with practical tips, experiments, and free resources from leading organisations.

Designed to make biology exciting, accessible & sustainable for every classroom.

Biology Resources

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GL504b - CLEAPSS BEAM resources

Supplementary files for the CLEAPSS BEAM guide.

GL430a - Generating random numbers for sampling

This data source is to be used in conjunction with the instructions in GL430 to make generic and bespoke random number tables for use in sampling.

ASE Lab Design Gallery

A portfolio of designs of school science laboratories, by Andy Piggott for the ASE

PS063 - Manufacturers and suppliers of electronic balances

This leaflet is intended to give brief details only of the major manufacturers and suppliers of electronic balances suitable for use in science within secondary schools and colleges.

CLEAPSS - Teachers H&S Self Study Online - Session 1 - Task

GL269 Microbiology guidance index

Briefly lists all CLEAPSS documents relevant to school microbiology.

GL277 - Pouring sterile agar plates and making slopes

Outlines how to prepare for pouring, pouring and storing agar plates, and making slopes.

GL100 - School science technician services: a guide for senior managers

Outlines the work that science technicians do, the tasks which they should not, ideally, be given, and provides a pointer to the number of technicians needed in a department and to management issues w.. more

GL110 - CLP pictograms for chemical hazard labelling

This includes all the pictograms required by the Globally Harmonised System for chemical hazard labelling. A selection of large (A4) and small sized pictures for printing and use in schools

PP050 - Investigating the effects of antimicrobial chemicals

A straightforward practical activity investigating how antimicrobial chemicals affect microbial growth on agar plates.

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