free course icon
level 2: intermediate icon
Science, Maths & Technology
John Napier
This free course looks at Scotsman John Napier (1550-1617) and his invention which radically altered the course of mathematics. Napier dabbled in mathematics for over 40 years and near the end of his life he introduced his tables of logarithms which drastically reduced the work needed to do complicated calculations, such as those required in ...
video icon
Nature & Environment
Hallowain't III: Kilifish - the zombie fish
Swimming around without any self-control, the better to spread infection. Are killifish zombies, raised from the dead? No.
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
Health, Sports & Psychology
The Z Files with Benjamin Zephaniah
Writer, poet and Peaky Blinders actor Benjamin Zephaniah has died. Back in 2009 and to celebrate Black History Month, we joined forces with him to put together this collection on notable black people in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
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?
video icon
Science, Maths & Technology
Women in engineering - interview with Robyn Moates
Hardware engineer Robyn discusses the highlights of her job, plus the misconceptions of her industry.
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.
article icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
How to manage the digital-related stress of technology
How can we avoid the stress and anxiety associated with the digital age? Dr Gini Harrison and Dr Mathijs Lucassen give us five tips...