VEX IQ with ModKit

This sample of a teacher guide introduces basic robotics using VEX IQ robotics kits and ModKit programming software – the activities are based upon a single robot model which can be constructed from the VEX starter kit.

Students learn about basic movement of the robot rover, as well as related challenges, in...

Smart skin

Receptors under our skin send signals to our brains about the world around us. Engineers are borrowing this idea from the human body to create a ‘smart skin’ for aircraft. In this activity students learn about motes, the tiny sensors at the heart of this innovation, and how science and mathematics are central to...

Silver Award: Future Travel

 These materials look at three possible projects that relate to sustainable transport:

* Communications project - students gather information and produce a balanced view on the costs and benefits of using hydrogen as fuel for vehicles.

* Practical project - students investigate the factors that affect...

Robot Swarms

Together with related activities from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), this resource allows students to investigate the wide range of sophisticated imaging technology available in modern hospitals, and to explore the latest ideas in search-and-rescue robotics.

Students work in small teams...

Plastic challenge

This resource contains a series of lessons which are designed to extend students’ knowledge and understanding of plastics and plastic waste on a global scale. Linking to materials and their properties, the environment, recycling and design and technology, they contain investigations and activities aimed at both...

Making music

In this activity, students create musical instruments using recycled materials.  They are then asked to analyse the musical notes their instruments produce using free-to-download software.  The challenge is for the students to see how close the notes their instruments make can get to those produced by real...

In control

Cycling is becoming an increasingly important transport solution for many people. This resource sets small groups of students the challenge of working together to design a gadget that can be attached to and powered by a bicycle.

Emergency Shelter

This Nuffield task is to design an emergency shelter, using a 4m x 3m rectangular piece of tent material, to protect three people from wind and rain.

The key processes developed include:

*Representing - recognising where mathematics can help with the design of the shelter, for example: choosing,...

Bronze Award: Future Travel

 These materials look at three possible projects that relate to sustainable travel.

* Communications project - students gather information and explain about ‘green’ transport policies, reducing and offsetting carbon footprints.

* Practical project - students investigate how to compare carbon dioxide...

Beat the Flood STEM challenge

In this resource, suitable for Key Stage Two to Three (age 7-14), students use their STEM skills to help them design and build a model of a flood- proof house. Activities to help them with their design include testing materials (for strength and absorbency) and structures. Set on a fictitious island coping with the...