The workbook contains a number of simulations designed to aid students understanding of the Poisson distribution.

[b]Queuing simulation:[/b] is designed to introduce the Poisson distribution through a realistic application, that of simulating a supermarket checkout queue. Students choose the number of people...

In this resource, students consider whether two Poisson distributions can be added together to form a third Poisson distribution. The initial, discussion generating proposition is backed up by a proof. The resource also contains an accompanying spreadsheet on which students can run simulations to test the result....

This resource comprises a spreadsheet which models raindrops falling onto paving slabs. As the variables are adjusted associated graphs display both the experimental and theoretical results. The resource is designed to encourage discussion of how a binomial distribution can be approximated by a Poisson distribution...

In this resource students deal with an optimisation problem involving perimeter and area based on a Greek mythological story about a princess. She wants to maximise the area contained in a given perimeter and decides on a circle. The concept of the Isoperimetric...

This activity, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, introduces students to ways of combining errors (uncertainties) from two independent measured quantities. Using the equation for Doppler shift, the error in the rotational velocity and time period are calculated....

This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics when investigating the volume of registration of engineers. Statistical calculations and graphical representations are used to explore the variations, over time, of membership by area of expertise. Detailed notes and...

This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics within mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering. One of the principal applications of Root Mean Square values is with alternating currents and voltages. This activity demonstrates the calculations required to...

These guides contain instructions on how to build a 3D CAD model of the Webb Space Telescope using Fusion 360. The Webb Space Telescope is a space telescope that will be...

In this investigation, using a tall tube filled with water, you let the water out the bottom of the tube, into a beaker/sink. You will record the level of the water at set intervals (every 5 or 10 seconds for example). You will then repeat this a couple of times and plot your average water level against time. You...

This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics within the aeronautical industry. Students are given a scenario which involves the recovery of stranded mountaineers by a rescue helicopter and the considerations required for a successful outcome. Trigonometry, formula...

This experiment allows you to investigate the boiling point of brine and the melting point of lead using a potentiometer arrangement. An alternative approach using digital voltmeters is also included at the bottom of the sheet.

Published by the Wellcome Trust, the 'Big Picture' explores issues around biology and medicine. The human brain may be the most complex structure in the universe.

The brain is so powerful that it is attempting to...

This resource from Susan Wall contains a number of open–ended questions which explore understanding and allow a variety of approaches.

Each question is easily accessible but can be extended to make a more complex problem. Students are required to justify their answer and, where possible, generalise their...

This set of  activities from OCR illustrate the concept of concurrency in algorithm development. A teacher pack and learning activity packs are provided. Activities move from the familiar, division of labour when washing up, to the less familiar topic of writing programs using threading in Python. Routing and...

Tin cans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this activity students consider the net of a tin can, the formula for the total surface area and the formula for the volume of the can. The first problem requires students to express the total surface area as a function of r by eliminating h. The second problem...