This package of resources by Learnbylayers provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D printing, where it is used in the wider world and why it is used to manufacture certain products. Students design an object, slice and print it and learn about the basics of 3D printing. The materials can be taught in class or...

Taking inspiration from the Born to Engineer video from Nina Parsons, a young engineer who has combined her love of motorsport with a career in composite design, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of composites in a motorsport setting. Students will learn about different composites,...

This is a unit of three two hour lessons to consolidate understanding of the specialised materials and mechanisms used on exploration robots. Students build or test, or build and test these to develop knowledge and evaluate them.  These resources are aimed at the 14-16 age group.  The context is focussed on the...

This resource introduces sustainability and how life on Earth depends upon our environment for resources such as food, water, and raw materials. Pupils learn about the materials life cycle, where raw materials come from, how to reduce waste and how raw materials may be used and recycled. The activities encourage...

Inspired by the Born to Engineer video from Sam Fraser, an engineer who combines his love for engineering with a passion for football, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of materials engineering, including materials testing, design and material properties (Hooke’s Law, shear,...

This resource uses the context of the British Challenge for the America's Cup to explore composite and nano materials.  The video uses the challenge to build the highest performing racing yacht as an introduction to composite materials and how they are designed to improve their properties for a specific use.  This...

These materials, from Waste Watch (part of Keep Britain Tidy), have been developed to make explicit links between sustainability and packaging for students following GCSE level design and technology courses. The scheme of learning includes suggested activities for five active learning sessions, supported by the...

Inspired by the Born to Engineer video from George Edwards, a young engineer whose understanding of temperature measurement helps him to create a newly engineered product, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of engineering by learning about temperature control and its importance in the...

Using the context of the well known story of the Three Little Pigs, pupils are introduced to the concept of the materials life cycle. A presentation aids learning about different building materials and how waste is created but can also be reduced. In the activity, pupils are invited to design recycled house ideas...