96

275

48

 
98
TFScientist profile image

TFScientist

Rhys Baker

Apprenticeship Alum

Joined 17 months ago from Rugby, UK. Last activity 3 days ago.

I am a high school science teacher with a first class degree in Biology from Cardiff University. My specialism was Toxicology and Cancer. My first child was born on September 5th 2012. I enjoy sport, science and getting my geek on.

The background picture is the classic 1995 NASA Hubble Deep Field Image looking across space and back in time.

My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums

Show: All
  • All
  • Education and Science (2)
  • HubPages Tutorials and Community (5)
  • Religion and Philosophy (1)
  • All
  • Books, Literature, and Writing (12)
  • Business and Employment (1)
  • Education and Science (26)
  • Health (1)
  • HubPages Tutorials and Community (11)
  • Personal Finance (1)
  • Politics and Social Issues (4)
  • Sports and Recreation (5)
  • Technology (1)
  • All
  • Education and Science (67)
  • Family and Parenting (6)
  • Food and Cooking (5)
  • Health (9)
  • Pets and Animals (1)
  • Sports and Recreation (5)
  • 0

    What Are Fossil Fuels?

    3 months ago

    Learn how fossil fuels were made, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they are extracted from the ground.

  • 10

    How did Life Begin?

    3 months ago

    Take a look at some of the greatest unanswered questions about the origins of life on Earth.

  • 5

    Science Mysteries

    3 months ago

    Not all scientific questions have an answer. Take a look at some of science's greatest mysteries!

  • 2

    Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

    2 months ago

    Cell division is the process by which biological cells multiply. Learn the events of Mitosis & Meiosis using diagrams, tables, videos & quizzes.

  • 1

    The Organ Systems of the Human Body

    4 months ago

    Organ systems are groups of different organs working together to do a particular job. Take a closer look at the roles of each of the organ systems in the human body.

  • 2

    What are the Plant Groups?

    4 months ago

    Plants show a wonderful diversity and comprise some of the smallest and largest organisms on our planet. In order for them to be properly studied, they need to be classified - learn how here!

  • 2

    What are Acids?

    2 months ago

    Familiarise yourself with the power of hydrogen! Lean the difference between acids, bases and alkalis; find out how to make your own pH indicator from cabbage and discover the real difference between strong and weak acids!

  • 0

    Types of Microscopy

    8 days ago

    Take a closer look at microscopy! Learn the differences between an electron and light microscope, know your resolution from your magnificaiton and learn how to correctly use a microscope.

  • 0

    What Makes a Metal?

    5 months ago

    The Periodic Table can be broadly split into two groups: Metals and Non-Metals. But what makes a metal? What are the properties of metals? And what are non-metals used for?

  • 1

    Periodic Table for Chemistry

    5 months ago

    What is the Periodic Table, how is it organised, who discovered it and what do all those numbers mean? All these questions and more answered, with some catchy tunes thrown in for good measure!

  • 2

    What are the Differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes?

    5 months ago

    There are two major divisions of life on this planet - prokaryotes (ancient organisms lacking a nucleus and membrane bound organelles) and eukaryotes (more recent organisms with a complex system of membrane bound organelles) Take a look at the distinguishing features of both here.

  • 6

    Gym Workout for Beginners

    2 months ago

    It is never too late (or too early) to join a gym. Avoid the pitfalls of a gym novice and learn how to choose a gym, how to construct a workout and how to look like a gym pro. Also includes a video workout for you to use during your first few sessions.

  • 1

    The Physics ABC

    6 months ago

    From Atom to Quark, X-ray to Buckminster fullerene; physics has a language all it's own. This hub looks at some of the most important words in the physics alphabet, complete with videos, quizzes and some stunning images.

  • 4

    Looking After a New Baby: An A-Z Guide

    2 months ago

    Take a look at just a few of the things you learn in the first few weeks of parenthood. Everything from antenatal classes to getting those all-important Zzzz's!

  • 2

    Dodgeball Strategy Tips

    2 months ago

    Playing dodgeball is easy. It is a great and fun game requiring no particular skill set. Playing dodgeball well is tougher. Here we look at strategies to succeed in all aspects of the game.

  • 2

    The Chemistry ABC

    3 months ago

    Take a look at the language of chemistry. From Acid to Zinc! This alphabet of chemistry will fill your head with knowledge and interesting facts! WARNING: catchy music video included!

  • 2

    How to Make Spiced Hash Browns

    5 months ago

    Cooking quickly is all about innovating. You could bung a potato in the oven for an hour, or make fries in 20 minutes, or you could follow this recipe and make spiced potato cakes in 10 minutes! Tasty, nutritious and different!

  • 5

    How to Make a Sausage Casserole

    7 months ago

    An easy to follow recipe for a sausage casserole. Healthy, cheap, and delicious. You can even use left overs or substitute the meats. Great for new parents or people with busy lives!

  • 5

    How to Make Apple and Raspberry Crumble

    7 months ago

    A recipe for apple and raspberry crumble that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Ideal for new parents and anyone with little free time. Home-cooked food doesn't have to take hours to prepare and cook!

  • 2

    How to Make Filled Potato Skins

    8 months ago

    A recipe for homemade filled potato skins - a straightforward dish that is perfect for new parents or those with busy lives. Can be eaten as a snack or as part of a nutritious meal - find out how to make them here.

  • 5

    How to Make Mini Bread-Muffin Pizzas

    7 months ago

    With a newborn baby, new parents often struggle to eat well. This mini pizza recipe produces homemade, healthy and tasty pizzas in 12 minutes! Throw on some salad and you have a balanced meal in minutes.

  • 10

    What are the 5 Main Vertebrate Groups?

    8 months ago

    Vertebrates are a sub-phylum of animals that possess a spinal cord and backbone. But this doesn't mean that they all look the same. This hub looks at the five major vertebrate groups and what makes them unique.

  • 3

    The Biology ABC

    8 months ago

    Take a look at the A-Z of Biology. 26 of the most important terms in the field, with a brief explanation of each one. Complete with illustrations and instructional videos. Enjoy!

  • 6

    How to Soothe a Newborn

    8 months ago

    The shrill, piercing cry of a newborn is the most upsetting and soul-crushing sound a parent can hear. Learn how hairdryers, vacuums, blowing raspberries, swaddling and cars can soothe your newborn, and save your sanity.

  • 4

    Home Birthing Guide for Parents

    3 months ago

    100 years ago, home births were the norm. We have since moved towards hospital based, clinical care. This hub looks at the arguments for and against home births, questions to ask your midwife, and when to transfer to hospital. Based on interviews with midwives, parents and medical practitioners.

  • 2

    Dads and Babies - Bonding

    3 months ago

    The pregnancy is finally over, childbirth is done, and everyone has gone home - you included. You finally have your little bundle of joy all to yourself...now what? This 'Super-Dad' Guide covers how to bond with your newborn, tricks to teach your newborn, how to pick your newborn up and how to manage the inevitable frustrations.

  • 1

    How to Play Dodgeball: A Beginner's Guide

    9 months ago

    Dodgeball - the sport where YOU are the target! No longer the reserve of school PE lessons, Dodgeball is a rapidly growing sport in both the UK and the US. Requiring no particular skill set, dodgeball can be played by all. Learn how here!

  • 4

    Tips for Bringing Your Newborn Home

    4 weeks ago

    The drive home from the hospital with your new baby can be the scariest ride of your life. But this is just the beginning. You are now responsible for the health, well-being and happiness of a new human being. This hub gives you some advice on what to expect when you bring your newborn home.

  • 2

    Is Breastfeeding Best for Infants?

    3 months ago

    You may have heard the term 'breast is best.' But have you ever wondered why this is true? This comprehensive review of breast-feeding contains useful how-to videos, some tips for successful breast feeding and takes a closer look at breastfeeding myths.

  • 6

    Labor and Delivery Tips for Expectant Dads

    2 months ago

    Becoming a Dad can be quite overwhelming. The day your partner gives birth will be life changing. Here are some tips to help the 'big day' go smoothly, and then some advice for smoothing out the days after.

  • 2

    Pros and Cons of a Water Birth

    9 months ago

    Water births are becoming more and more popular. Seen as a less traumatic to the baby than birth to air, water birth also has plenty of benefits for the mum-to-be. Take a look at a recorded water birth and tick off all you need for a water birth.

  • 7

    Saturns Moons: a Visual Guide

    10 days ago

    Take a closer look at 5 of Saturn's 62 moons. Explore Dione; fly by Iapetus; peer closely at Titan; marvel at the ice volcanoes of Enceladus; and double-take at potato-shaped Hyperion

  • 8

    Space Probe Photos: NASA Pictures

    10 days ago

    12 of the best images captured by the myriad of space probes that have explored our solar system in the last 60 years.

  • 7

    My Wife is Pregnant

    10 months ago

    So you are going to be a Dad! Congratulations! You are about to embark on a life changing roller-coaster ride. This hub looks at some of the lesser known facts about pregnancy and how to deal with them

  • 6

    What Will I Need For My Baby?

    3 months ago

    Buying stuff for baby is not as easy as it sounds. It's easy to go over the top & pay huge amounts in preparation for your new arrival. Take a look at the advice from two new parents who have listened to all the advice, been to the seminars, read the books & spoken to the real experts - mums & dads.

  • 2

    What are the Galilean Moons?

    10 days ago

    Take a visual tour through the four largest moons of Jupiter - the Galilean Moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Journey from the most volcanic body in the solar system to ice worlds that may hide life to the largest moon in the Solar System

  • 5

    How are Moons Made?

    10 days ago

    Take a look at the three different ways the 300+ moons of the solar system have formed: Accretion Impact Events Capture Events

  • 3

    What are Biological Molecules?

    9 months ago

    The key biological molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. These molecules either become part of our bodies or are used to provide us with energy. We are - literally - what we eat

  • 2

    The Olympic Games Explained: A Kids' Guide

    10 months ago

    Take a look at some of the history and trivia associated with the Olympic Games. Learn when the first Olympics was held (Ancient, Wenlock and Modern), what the medals are made of and the most successful athletes and countries in Olympics history...and much more!

  • 3

    How to Quickly Write an Effective Lesson Plan

    11 months ago

    What is the best way to write an effective lesson plan? How can you reduce time spent on lesson planning? Actually, there is no one answer to either of these questions, but this hub aims to give you some advice...

  • 3

    How Does Blood Work?

    11 months ago

    This miraculous fluid feeds you, heals you, and fights battles for you. Take a closer look at how your blood works.

  • 4

    Why We Gain Weight

    11 months ago

    Do crash diets work? Are fad diets dangerous? What is 'water-weight?' Look at the science behind weight-loss and put a few diets under the microscope.

  • 12

    The World's Deadliest Reptiles

    2 months ago

    Take a closer look at some of the most dangerous reptiles that inhabit our world. Look at how they are adapted to take down their prey, and how they stack up against each other.

  • 12

    Top Ten Physics Questions and Answers

    10 months ago

    Often thought of as impenetrably difficult and complex, Physics explains the inner workings of the Universe...and your wireless network...and boomerangs...and electricity. This hub looks at ten of the best questions asked of me this year.

  • 8

    Top Ten Chemistry Questions and Answers

    11 months ago

    Kids come up with great questions. This hub aims to answer some tricky chemistry questions I have come across in my experience as a High School Teacher. From what is an acid to how do fireworks change colour to how glow sticks work!

  • 12

    What are Photosynthesis and Respiration?

    8 weeks ago

    Photosynthesis and Respiration are two sides of the same coin, and the two most important reactions on Earth. Learn more about them here.

  • 10

    Microbes and Disease

    11 months ago

    Most of the life on our planet is too small to be seen with the naked eye. This hub investigates Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses and their impact on our lives.

  • 7

    Science Fair Project - Making a Model Plant Cell Pizza

    9 months ago

    An edible science fair project! Make a model plant cell out of pizza.

  • 13

    The Asteroid Belt and Outer Planets of the Solar System

    11 months ago

    Take a closer look at the outer reaches of our solar system. From the Asteroid Belt, to the Gas Giants and out into the Oort cloud via the Plutoids in the Kuiper Belt. A fascinating subject!

  • 5

    The Sun and Inner Planets of the Solar System

    11 months ago

    As a teacher one of the ever-popular topics I teach is space. This hub visits the objects in the inner solar system and gives some fun facts along with great photos. Also looks at the origins of the solar system and looking into the past with the new Square Kilometre Array.

  • 14

    What is the Particle Model - A Guide to Solids, Liquids and Gases

    6 months ago

    As a teacher, particles are one of the first topics I teach pupils upon entering High School. This hub investigates the weird and wonderful world of particles. How do you draw particle diagrams? How many states of matter are there? What is Plasma? What is absolute zero?

  • 24

    What are the Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells?

    11 months ago

    This hub looks at the basic similarities and difference between animal and plant cells. We shall also investigate the functions of different organelles, and how cells are adapted to perform certain functions

  • 3

    What is the Fastest Animal in the World?

    12 months ago

    What are the fastest animals on the planet? And how do they achieve such amazing speeds? What is the cost of such phenomenal performance? This hub takes a closer look at the Olympic sprinters of the Natural World.

  • 13

    Stay Safe in the Sun: Treating and Preventing Sunburn

    8 months ago

    Do you know your UVA from your UVB? How often should sunscreen be reapplied? What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? And what is the best way to soothe sunburn? Arm yourself with the facts ahead of the summer sun

  • 24

    Top 10 Tricky Science Questions: Biology

    11 months ago

    This hub answers tricky biology questions including 'What is Brainfreeze?', 'How Safe are X-Rays?', and 'What are Goosebumps' from my experience teaching biology

  • 8

    Technology in Rugby Equipment

    10 days ago

    Rugby has undergone a transformation since William Webb Ellis first picked up a football and ran with it at Rugby school in 1823. This hub explores some of the developments and some of the technology inherent in rugby equipment.

  • 10

    How to Become a Molecular Biologist

    13 months ago

    Biology degrees open up exciting careers in a wide range of industries. Here we look at Molecular Biology. What does the job entail? What are the benefits? What skills does a molecular biologist need? How do you become a molecular biologist?

  • 10

    How to Calculate Genetic Drift

    13 months ago

    Genetic drift explains how and why neutral mutations change in frequency in a population. But what is Genetic drift? And where does bottlenecking and the founder effect fit in? This hub has the answers

  • 8

    What do Cell Biologists Do?

    13 months ago

    What can you do with a degree in science? Cell biology is just one career path open to those who pursue science - but what do they do? How much to they make? How do you become a Cell biologist? This hub has the answers

  • 4

    How to Name Carbon Compounds: Alkanes, Alkenes, and Esters

    13 months ago

    Naming Organic compounds is easier than it looks once you know the basics. This hub explains the basics using examples of alkanes, alkenes, esters and alcohols.

  • 5

    How to Teach Science in Elementary School

    13 months ago

    It is never too early to start teaching science. this hub describes ideas, hints and tricks to teaching complex topics in a fun and informative way.

  • 15

    How to Use the Outdoors to Teach Science

    13 months ago

    Science is all around us. The natural classroom can be used for all manner of lessons such as forces, properties of materials, ecosystems, weathering and weather patterns. This hub explains some of the detail in planning an out of lesson activity and links to some premade lessons to inspire you.

  • 8

    Early Human Timelines

    13 months ago

    The road from Ape to Man has taken 6 million years. This hub analyses the various stops along the way and looks at what makes us human...at least, anatomically speaking.

  • 12

    How to Explain Darwin's Theory of Evolution

    13 months ago

    After a five year trip, 15 years of soul searching and 500 pages of collected evidence, Charles Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species' in November of 1859. Discover why this revolutionary text changed the face of biology in the space of just 10 years, and how to explain the Unifying Theory of Biology

  • 6

    More Top Ten Science Experiments to Try at Home

    11 months ago

    More simple, cheap and safe experiments to try at home, for young and old alike. Make lava lamps, hoop gliders, Elephant's toothpaste and twisters in a bottle...amongst other things!

  • 11

    What is Life - A Guide to the Common Features of all Living Things

    14 months ago

    What is life? What separates moss, trees, animals, bacteria and archaea from rocks, mountains and clouds? We explore the common features of all living things. These processes can be remembered by the mneumonic: Mrs. Gren

  • 2

    The Six Nations Rugby Championship: A History to Date

    4 months ago

    The rugby world is divided, very much like the real world, into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This hub examines the premier international rugby competition of the Northern Hemisphere - the RBS Six Nations. Examine its' history, the highlights of the 2011 tournament and an interesting fact about each team.

  • 4

    The Five Kingdoms of Life: A Visual, Step-by-Step Guide

    15 months ago

    To sort things into groups or categories is a uniquely human characteristic. This hub looks at the defining features of the five kingdoms of life: Prokaryotae, Protoctista, Fungi, Animalia and Plantae.

  • 32

    Making Sense of Evolution Myths and Misconceptions

    11 months ago

    There are myths and misconceptions on both sides of the Evolution debate. This hub selects 10 arguments on both sides and seeks to dispel them. We ask ourselves "Is everything an adaptation?" "Is creationism a legitimate alternative?" and "Does Evolution violate the laws of thermodynamics?" among other questions

  • 10

    Top Ten Tricky Science Questions

    11 months ago

    A hub exploring the answers to more tricky questions (usually posed by an inquisitive child!) They include: Why does ice float? How Big is Space? Why does the moon sometimes look red? Are humans still evolving? Why does helium make your voice go funny? Enjoy!

  • 1

    Protein Production: A Simple Summary of Transcription and Translation

    15 months ago

    What is the difference between tRNA and mRNA? How does a cell make only the proteins it needs?These questions are answered as we explore the stages protein synthesis - the process of Protein Production.

  • 57

    Top 10 Science Experiments to Try at Home

    15 months ago

    Science isn't confined to a lab - it is all around us. The 10 fun, cheap and easy experiments in this hub make great family projects. Above all this proves that science is fun - what other school subject helps you make slime and rockets!?

  • 48

    Top 10 Tricky Science Questions: Answered

    11 months ago

    Why is the sky blue? Why is the moon sometimes out in the day? How much does the Earth weigh? Kids are great at asking questions that knock us for 6. Be prepared! This hub gives straightforward answers to 10 of the trickiest questions I have been asked by kids whilst teaching. Enjoy!

  • 8

    Making Crude Oil Useful - Fractional Distillation and Cracking

    11 months ago

    What is fractional distillation? How does it work Why is crude oil both important and useless? What is cracking? What is supply and demand? Why do long hydrocarbons have higher boiling points? Modern living is built on crude oil - this hub explains how crude oil is changed into the things we use everyday, from petrol to plastic!

  • 1

    How to Have a Successful Parents Evening: a Step-by-Step Guide

    16 months ago

    What information do you need for parents evening? What If I cannot remember their name? How do I deal with pushy parents? Is Parents Evening the time for me to get my revenge? Answers and helpful advice to these questions and more

  • 10

    What Are Enzymes? - Structure and Location

    9 months ago

    Why are enzymes useful? How does the body use enzymes? Why are enzymes specific to a single reaction? What are the strengths and weaknesses of enzymes? What has shape got to do with any of this? This hub answers these questions and more

  • 2

    Behaviour Management Techniques to Teach Difficult Classes

    11 months ago

    An extensive collection of hints, tips, links, videos, books, resources and ideas to use to create your perfect class. There is no such thing as an 'unteachable class' I hope it is useful

  • 28

    How to Explain DNA to Kids

    8 months ago

    DNA may be complicated, but it can still be understood by all. Look at some analogies, diagrams and science behind the molecule of life, DNA

  • 11

    What is DNA? Nucleotides, Bases and Information Storage

    9 months ago

    What is DNA and How does DNA store information? What are Nucleotides? What is the structure of DNA? What is the difference between purines and pyrimidines? What is the meaning of life? How does structure of DNA relate to its function? All these answers at your fingertips. Enjoy!

  • 1

    What Are Proteins? Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary Structure

    9 months ago

    How is form related to function? How does primary structure influence tertiary structure? What is the secondary structure of a protein? What is tertiary for that matter? This hub answers these questions and more.

  • 5

    What Are Proteins? Making and Breaking Proteins

    16 months ago

    How are proteins made? What is the difference between transcription and translation? Why are digestive enzyme pills a waste of money? What is a polypeptide? What is the degenerate code? This hub answers these questions and more. Enjoy!

  • 2

    What Are Proteins? Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

    9 months ago

    First part of a series looking at proteins. This hub answers the questions 'Why do we Wee?' 'What are Proteins' and examines the central dogma of molecular biology

  • 5

    Exam Preparation: Revision - How do I get an A?

    13 months ago

    How do I get an A? How long should I revise for? What are some revision techniques? How should I prepare for exams? Is there any benefit to mock exams? This hub answers all these questions

  • 0

    How Do You Cure Cancer - Phytomedicines & Natural Remedies

    15 months ago

    Are conventional chemotherapies really 'synthetic'? Is cancer therapy natural vs. unnatural? Is there anything in phytotherapy. This series introduces these questions and gives the history of phytomedicine.

  • 5

    Stages of the Cell Cycle - Mitosis (Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase)

    16 months ago

    What are the events of Metaphase? What are the events of Anaphase? How do you distinguish Telophase from Anaphase? What is Cytokinesis? This detailed hub looks at these questions and more. Includes a narrated video of the stages of mitosis

  • 2

    Stages of the Cell Cycle - Mitosis (Interphase and Prophase)

    7 months ago

    Why do Cells Divide? Are mitosis and cell cycle the same thing? What are the stages of the cell cycle? What are the stages of mitosis. This concise, well illustrated hub answers all these questions, with sources for independent research

  • 0

    What Are Cells Made Of - Prokaryotic Cell Structure (Cell Envelope)

    10 days ago

    The final part of the series looking at the difference between gram positive and negative bacteria, the importance of the capsule, flagella and pili, as well as how different classes of antibiotics work.

  • 11

    What is Cancer - A Failure of Apoptosis (How Cancer Develops)

    14 months ago

    Cancer is an emotive word, but what is it? What causes a normal, somatic cell to turn cancerous? What are our defences against this foe, and are they all useless? This hub answers these questions and points out some excellent sources to start your own research.

  • 1

    What Are Cells Made Of - Prokaryotic Cell Structure (Inside Prokaryotes)

    15 months ago

    A closer look at some of the structures contained within Prokaryotic cells. Includes detailed diagrams and extra links for the interested reader. Suitable for A Level and higher.

  • 3

    What Are Cells Made Of? - Prokaryotic Cell Structure: Overview of Bacteria

    11 months ago

    A closer look at the most successful division of life on our planet - the Prokaryotes. Introduces you to the main reason behind their success and gives an overview of their structure

  • 3

    Structure of a Plant Cell: A Visual Guide

    10 days ago

    A detailed visual tour of the eukaryotic plant cell. Complete with videos, quizzes, links and summary tables. Excellent for A-level and higher.

  • 17

    Eukaryotic Animal Cell Structure: A Visual Guide

    11 days ago

    Take a visual tour of the animal cell. Complete with videos, quizzes, links and summary tables. Excellent for A-level and higher.

  • 12

    How to Draw a Scientific Graph - A Step-by-Step Guide

    16 months ago

    A straightforward guide to drawing graphs in KS3 and GCSE science coursework and exams. Points out common pitfalls and shows a step-by-step guide to drawing these mark-rich answers perfectly

      Please wait working