The Royal Society is the world's oldest scientific academy in continuous existence, having been at the forefront of enquiry and discovery since its foundation in 1660. The backbone of the Society is its Fellowship elected from the best scientists in the world and representing a pool of outstanding knowledge and experience. With the broad aim 'to promote excellence in science', the Society supports scientists doing high-quality and exciting research in the UK and abroad, and makes sure the results of outstanding research are widely known, understood and exploited. The Royal Society considers education a vital target for its work and aims to support those involved in three main ways:

• advising decision makers over what and how science is taught in schools;
• enabling discussion and co-operation between the many different constituencies within education;
• delivering a programme of activities to support science teaching and enthuse young people.

For more information about the Royal Society, please visit www.royalsociety.org or email: education@royalsociety.org

curriculum materials to support the teaching and learning scientific enquiry for 11 to 14 years olds