In this terms issue we outline some experiments to find out which bird food mixtures are best for hungry birds, review good practice for rearing chicks in light of bird flu and look at safe ways to introduce primary pupils to microorganisms. There is also an introduction to resources from the FSA that could could be an interesting way to introduce the topic of food allergies.

In this issue: mini planting projects, buying planting stock and harvesting seeds, mini propagators, germinating seeds and growing seedlings, using a grow lamp, small scale growing safety advice.

This document contains guidance on how to undertake, smaller, fiddlier planting projects without wearing gardening gloves.

In this special 20th anniversary edition we examine the qualifications needed for teaching Food Technology, provide hints and tips for growing seeds and share an exciting idea sent to us by a school for teaching children about the skeleton using dog biscuits.