All content
Hundreds of educational interactives, games, quizzes, videos and podcasts, plus 1000s of articles written by academic experts and guest contributors.
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Sherry is not just for Christmas
Sherry is too good to left gathering dust while waiting for Christmas to come. This article and associated video explains the chemistry behind this tipple.
article icon
Education & Development
The Open University and SWAP West Learning Hub
The site, a partnership between The Open University in Scotland and the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), brings together introductory level OpenLearn courses relevant to students studying SWAP courses. SWAP students can find courses that offer new topics to explore, build on their study with SWAP, and help prepare for further study at ...
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Mars: A collection
OpenLearn has been covering the scientific research into our neighbour in space for nearly twenty years. Dip into our archive...
article icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
What happens to our brains when we're afraid - and can that help us overcome fear?
Research into brain activity when we're scared may point the way to overcoming fear.
video icon
Languages
Creativity and artificial intelligence
Is artificial intelligence capable of being creative? This animation and associated article looks at the meaning of 'creativity' and whether machines can carry out creative tasks.
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Global Handwashing Day
Take a look at the cultural, social and religious implications of washing hands while also learning more about the science of hygiene and sanitation.
article icon
Education & Development
OpenLearn supports Get Online Week
Get Online Week is an annual campaign to support those who don’t have access to a device or data to get connected. It has helped hundreds of thousands of people to get online for the first time and improve their digital skills.
activity icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Space: to boldly, but cautiously, go.
Space exploration is full of possibilities, especially when searching for signs of life. But the reality is complex. What lies behind the many decisions that have to be taken to design and run a space exploration mission?
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
World Space Week
World Space Week is held every year between 4th-10th October - it is a celebration of science and technology. We've put together some fantastic free resources to mark this occasion.
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Online mathematics discovery centre
Discover the many faces of maths with our free learning resources - including courses, videos and games.
free course icon
level 1: introductory icon
Badge icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Microgravity: living on the International Space Station
This free badged open course, Microgravity: living on the International Space Station, will help you to consider microgravity environments in more detail than before! You will make direct comparisons of some important physical values between the International Space Station (ISS), the Earth and the Moon.
article icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Ageing well by connecting and learning about nature outdoors
How can citizen science help with the physical, cognitive and social aspects associated with ageing well?