On-The-Spot Diagnosis for Cancer Patients

A case study produced by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Researchers from the EPSRC-funded Nanoscale Physics Research Laboratory (NPRL) at the University of Birmingham, have developed a nanoscale device which can diagnose prostate cancer with more accuracy than current tests. Prostate...

Super Sucker: Designing a Machine to Clean up Litter

This resource provides a design and technology project for older primary children. Linking to the topic of electricity, it provides a practical context in which children focus on electric circuits, motors and batteries to build their own mini-vacuum cleaner. The series of four lessons begins by introducing the...

Lights

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

British Astronomy & Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO)

The Olympiad offers schools across the UK a series of competition papers that focus on astronomy and astrophysics. It is a gateway to competing in the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).BAAO

Build an uncrackable safe

The WEIZMANN UK annual “safe-breaking” physics tournament is an opportunity for teams of Year 12 physicists from schools across the UK to create their own safe which has locking mechanisms based on the principles of physics. The teams then compete in a tournament where they crack into each other’s safes and those with...

British Physics Olympiad

The British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) aims to encourage the study of Physics and recognise excellence in young physicists through four annual Physics competitions.  The competitions are designed to test understanding and problem solving skills and are open to able young physicists in school years 11-13 (GCSE to A2...

Maths in motion challenge

Using tried and tested ‘Cloud’ based software that simulates the setting up of a racing car, students, working in small teams, complete a series of STEM relevant tasks in an effort to produce the perfect car. This ‘virtual’ car is then entered into a competitive race in the hope of winning it. The Challenge also...

Squashed tomato STEM challenge

This Practical Action resource presents a fun hands-on and brains-on challenge for Key Stages Two to Five.The problem: In Nepal many farmers living on the mountainside grow fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes. To earn a living they need to sell these at the local market. The problem is getting to market...

Light: crime lab investigation

Produced by the Hamilton Trust, these resources give details of six lessons on light and vision. This includes lesson plans, practical activities and all student materials. Students identify sources of light and revise facts such as light travels in straight lines and opaque objects form shadows. They understand that...

Earth and space: space presenters

Produced by the Hamilton Trust, these resources give details of seven lessons on space. This includes lesson plans, practical activities and all student materials. Students find facts about the Sun, Moon and Earth. They develop an understanding of day and night, the four seasons and the Moon’s phases. The Sun and...