Infochem now online 

Teachers and their students can now read and download InfoChem  from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) website. Each new issue of Education in Chemistry's  eight-page student supplement is published online as a full-colour pdf file. This month's issue is available online today so point your students to it. 

Non-specialist teachers 

The new spring term programme of Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)-GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) courses (see Educ. Chem., 2007, 44 (5), 132) aimed at non-specialist chemistry teachers is available on the RSC website .

RSC teaching awards 

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is inviting nominations for the 2008 round of its two annual teaching awards. The RSC Schools Education Awards are designed to recognise teachers or other professionals who have contributed to the teaching of the chemical sciences in schools and colleges. The RSC Education Division's Higher Education Teaching Awards aim to identify excellent and innovative HE chemistry teachers and disseminate good teaching practice in HE.  

Nominations for both awards must be submitted before 31 January 2008. The recipients of each award will receive a certificate and £250 at the RSC's annual awards ceremony held at the Society's general assembly in November. For further information and nomination forms for each award contact Lorraine Hart at the RSC (Tel: 020-7440 3350).

Equipment funding 

The Biological and Medicinal Chemistry Sector (BMCS) of the Royal Society of Chemistry's (RSC) Industry Technology Forum is inviting bids from schools and colleges for funding (typically £50-500) to purchase equipment. Applications, to be completed on one side of A4, should outline the equipment sought, cost, beneficiaries, and why their school/college will not meet these costs. Requests for equipment that will be shared between institutions are welcomed. Applications should be sent to Dr Helen Hailes, department of chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ (e-mail: h.c.hailes@ucl.ac.uk). 

For further information on the activities of the education support group of the BMCS visit website.

An historical offer 

The Historical Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) comprises enthusiasts with an interest in the history of our subject. The group's autumn meeting, which celebrated the life and work of Joseph Priestley, attracted several teachers and some sixthform students. To capitalise on this success, the group is offering 'taster' memberships to readers of Education in Chemistry  for 2008.  

This offer is open to non-members of the RSC, costs £7.00 and is available until the end of January. From 1 February the full subscription rate will be £10.00. When applying to pay the reduced subscription, readers should make it clear that they are taking advantage of this 'taster' offer.  

For information on the RSC's Historical Group and to apply for membership contact group chairman Professor Alan Dronsfield (e-mail: A.Dronsfield@derby.ac.uk)  

How science works - on TV 

To download the latest four programmes, with curriculum materials, to support the teaching of 'How science works', available from Teachers TV, go to and register on the website.