micro:bit of Things

I am investigating the potential of the micro:bit as a resource for the teaching of physical computing and science in KS 2 and KS 3. The link below will take you to a website I have set up to publish my experiments and the work of my pupils. The aim is to inform teachers who would also like to develop the use of...

Pod 1: Introduction

In this Nuffield Foundation resource, students explore the how humans have sought and used materials and energy throughout history. They learn that the current manufacturing system extracts raw materials, makes something useful and then disposes of it afterwards as waste. This take-make-dump model is not...

Input, Process and Output

This resource looks at what properties of infra-red make it so useful in gaming technology? Students develop a working prototype of a simple infra-red electronic circuit, identify an input and an output and test the performance of the circuit. They then explain how the findings of their research could affect their...

Forces (Key Stage Three)

These materials use the BLOODHOUND SSC land speed attempt as a context for teaching about forces, particularly forward thrust and frictional forces. The BLOODHOUND SuperSonic Car (SSC) land-speed attempt aims to reach a target speed of 1000 miles per hour.

A very large forward driving force is required to...

Rockets (Key Stage Three)

These materials use the land speed record attempt as a context for teaching about the irreversible changes and energy transfers that occur in BLOODHOUND SSC’s rocket engine.

The BLOODHOUND SuperSonic Car (SSC) World land-speed record attempt aims to reach a target speed of 1000 miles per hour. A massive...

Measuring the Thrust of a Balloon Powered Car

This activity from BLOODHOUND SSC illustrates the forces acting on BLOODHOUND SSC by calculating the thrust of a balloon powered car. The resource explores thrust as a concept, tying in with Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Students:
* Build a balloon car
* Conduct speed-time experiments using the...

Pod 3: Cars

In this Nuffield Foundation resource, students explore our relationship with cars and other forms of transport. They start by investigating some of the health and social problems associated with increasing car ownership. They move on to consider how innovative technologies could support more healthy and...

Pod 4: Climate Change

In this Nuffield Foundation resource students begin by reviewing their understanding of the carbon cycle. They investigate the link between human activity and increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and speculate on whether this is causing global warming. They compare the carbon footprints of...

Ski Jacket Thermal Insulation Simulator

This is a simple simulator in which pupils can investigate the effectiveness of a ski jacket.  Pupils can alter various parameters and see what the effects are.  The simulator also brings into view the competing design parameters - lots of insulation will keep the skier warmer - but may well restrict movement....

Secondary Design and Technology Introductory Challange - Airdrop Relief

A team working introductory design and technology activity for secondary students aged 11-16 working in small teams. The activity takes between 60-90 minutes to complete.

Activity Theme: Parachutes

STEM Links: Forces, Resistance, Design, Structural Aerodynamics,...