This resource provides a cross-curricular design and technology project aimed at primary children. Linking to work on the forces and balance children build and test sculptures in small groups. They also discover more about the work of mechanical engineers throughout the lessons. The first lesson introduces the task...

These activities from the BEST project (age 11 to 14) can be used with primary pupils. The diagnostic questions probe pupils' ability:

• to identify magnets and magnetic materials
• describe rules of attraction and repulsion between magnets
• to identify situations in which a force is...

This diagnostic question is part of a series adapted for primary aged pupils from the Best Evidence Science Teaching project for ages 11 to 14.

It helps students to understand that...

This diagnostic question is part of a series adapted for primary aged pupils from the Best Evidence Science Teaching project for ages 11 to 14.

It helps students to explain what a...

In this resource, 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 devastating effects of flooding caused by...

With just a few materials, building a paper model of the International Space Station (ISS) can become a class project. This publication contains a brief overview of the ISS, its parts, the science that occurs on board, instructions, and extension fact sheets. Learn about the ISS, explore fun facts, simulate...

In this activity aimed at primary level, children investigate electrical circuits and consider how a safe and reliable circuit, that works, can be made. Using the context of Christmas Lights children use dice to select several components of electrical circuits from an ‘advent calendar’ showing 24 electrical symbols...

In this ASE SYCD: Science Year Primary unit, pupils identify the different types and materials of classroom-tuned percussion instruments.

Pupils explore vibration, pitch and volume, explore amplification and think about the responsible use of tropical timber.

Classroom instruments offer many...

This cartoon helps pupils explore issues around climate change; what causes it and how it affects peoples' lives around the world.

Concept Cartoons are quick, simple and effective. They are designed to intrigue, provoke discussion and stimulate thinking. Concept Cartoons make concepts problematic and provide...

The nineteen activities within this pack investigate colour and link to many topics at primary level including: light and sight, plants, properties of materials and habitats. Designed to demonstrate key ideas and concepts and to spark an interest in science and engineering, they could be used in class or within a...

From Solar Spark, this simple demonstration shows the effect of adding colours. Photos and pictures are often made up from just four colours black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Different amounts of each colour combine to get all the colours of the rainbow and make the complete picture.

Solar cells are...

This resource, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, explores magnetism and how it is used in a compass. It is aimed at key stage 2, but the activities would also be suitable for introducing magnetism to key stage 3.

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This activity involves perspective, modelling, light and shadow. Close up photographs of the Moon’s surface show all sorts of interesting features. Craters are amongst the most interesting, especially when the Sun’s light grazes low across the lunar landscape. The aim of the exercise is to recreate a realistic...

This resource, from the Royal Observatory Greenwich, uses daytime viewing of the Moon to reinforce ideas learned in the classroom about light, shadow and the Moon itself. Advice is given on the best times to view the Moon, and the compulsory and optional equipment needed. By viewing the Moon during the day,...

This series of Marvin and Milo cards have been pulled together for the International Year of Light 2015. They include eight simple experiments that can be performed at home that link in to the theme of light, using: - A torch and a bottle to show total internal reflection - A glass of water to make a lens - Milk...