This resource explores the factors which affect the location of glaciers through a series of activities. In pairs students identify 5 countries which they think have permanent ice from a given list and justify their choices. They then mark on a world map where they think glaciers are located, indicating size and...

In this resource, students investigate how glaciers respond to climate change by building a model of a glacier and observing how fast it melts. The class can be split into groups, each researching a different glacier so that comparisons can be made. Information sheets are provided for seven glaciers. This resource...

In this activity from the Institution of Engineering and technology (IET), students investigate the photovoltaic effect by designing and making a solar power night-light circuit. This could form the basis of a design and make assignment project in design and technology...

In this activity students make a comparison of conventional and energy saving light bulbs and ask the questions: How can individuals contribute towards the needs of society? Why have traditional light bulbs been abolished by the EU? In Germany, as in many other European countries, conventional light bulbs are to be...

In this resource students will carry out experiments with prisms, polarising film and 3D cinema glasses to explain some of the interesting properties of light and their applications.

Curriculum links include refractive index, total internal reflection, polarisation

Tunnelworks is a series of teaching and learning resources linking mathematics and science to the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, a major new sewer that will help protect the River Thames from increasing pollution. Background to the project is given in the ...

You may have seen Maggie Aderin-Pocock presenting BBC's The Sky at Night, asking Jeremy Paxman to hold a torch while she described a lunar eclipse, or on the sofa of a breakfast television show or The One Show talking enthusiastically about science. You may not know that she has hung out of the back of military...

These resources explores how engineers have used their knowledge of waves to improve lives.  The activities include:

• Using the reflection of light to create a floating image
• Investigating the best material for thermal resistance (insulation) in a survival suit

Curriculum links...

NASA's Viking Mission to Mars was composed of two spacecraft, Viking 1 and Viking 2, each consisting of an orbiter and a lander. The primary mission objectives were to obtain high resolution images of the Martian surface, characterize the structure and composition of the atmosphere and surface, and search for...

Students consider how materials need to be tested for their suitability for a specific job before engineers in construction projects can choose them. The tasks will ask the students to think about what properties need to be considered, how these might be scientifically...

This challenge asks teams of students to plan a major sporting event in their local area. The resource provides an opportunity for students to explore their ideas in a creative environment. Teams can define their own goals and priorities, but may want to focus on three main areas of planning an event:

•...

In this resource students explore the science of combustion in the context of fuel-burning stoves from around the world. They investigate the energy output from a variety of fuels covering calorific values, simple combustion chemistry, stove efficiency and chimney design. The unit ends with a design task requiring...

From the Centre for Science Education, the RA3 project aims to bring parents together with their children and teachers to explore the worlds of science and technology.

These activities use 'mechanical kangaroo' or 'mechanical horse' model robot kits. These kits allow children and parents to explore...

This resource, from the Association for Science Education (ASE) and part of the SYCD: Science Year Who am I? collection, presents a group of scientists working in a range of different careers.

The scientists describe:

• How they got into science
• Where they have worked
• What they work on...

This resource, from the Association for Science Education (ASE) introduces a number of scientists working in a range of different careers and it consists of a set of careers activities shows science used in other work contexts. The resource is part of the SYCD: Science Year Can we; Should we? collection.

The...