Mathematics plays a vital part in space flight, it gives us a way both to predict what should happen in the future and also ways to measure what’s actually happening in the present, and adapt to it. In this resource we look at a few places where maths helps in space flight. The maths is made simple here (it’s far,...

This document, produced by Computing at School, is to support the teaching and learning of computing in secondary school. The introduction explains the context of the document with computing being included in the 2014 national curriculum in England and highlights the three main strands of computing: computer...

This unplugged activity uses a large model of a face, operated by several children working together, to teach how ‘emotion’ can be expressed by robots following simple rules. These rules are expressed as IF, THEN, ELSE, statements which, when...

The Crumble “Getting Started” guide includes an overview of the Crumble software and a step-by-step guide to writing your first program. It also covers:

• Sparkle control
• Motor control
• Using inputs (digital and analogue)
• Using variables and maths in your programs

STEM Learning has worked with IBM to increase the accessibility of its SkillsBuild e-learning resources. We have created guides to show which SkillsBuild content supports the specific learning objectives within a range of computing qualification specifications to help save teachers time when planning their...

Using a spreadsheet as a grid of 'pixels', this computing activity teachers how 1's and 0's can store image data. The classroom exercises use images with increasing pixel resolution, looking at how this affects the clarity of the image. Moving from black-and-white images, the students then use grids of colour...

This sample of a teacher guide shows how the Lego NXT programmable brick can be used with compatible sensors as a versatile data logging kit. It contains examples of data logging in the wider world to help students engage with the topic, and guidance for simple investigative activities that link to science,...

The drone resource box is aimed at key stage 3 or key stage 4 students and could be used as a six-session curriculum resource or a drop down activity day. The resource explores how drones work and how they can be used for civilian, humanitarian and commercial purposes. Each session will be based around a different...

This sample of a teacher guide introduces basic robotics using Lego EV3 hardware and software – the activities are based upon a single robot model which can be constructed from the education core set.

Students learn about basic movement of the robot rover in the context of space exploration.This context...

This resource can be used to support an electronic handbag project. There are four worksheets that cover the following topics:

• micro-controllers
• exh numbering for neopixels
• the ‘Internet of Things’
• conductive thread circuits

The worksheets are suitable for...

A short starter activity for students of all ages. It would make a good introduction to lessons on robotics or artificial intelligence and could spark a discussion on how neural networks might be used to create human-like behaviour. Equally, when discussing HCI design, it might move the debate beyond keyboard and...

Opportunities for engineers exist at all levels and these career route maps from Neon show various routes through education and training to become a professional engineer in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

This resource consists of a presentation and some supporting materials to enable students to research and create their own presentation around the ideas that there are Ethical, Legal and Environmental Issues surrounding the use of ICT in Business and Educational surroundings. The presentation sets the scene,...

After learning about flooding, students consider the design problems caused by its early detection. Students are introduced to moisture sensors, and can build their own using the instructions provided or use a ready-made version. This is connected to the BBC micro:bit and used as an input device. After processing...

A guide to 12 different engineering disciplines showing different pathways into engineering, to support students with their career decision-making.

Engineering is a diverse, wide-reaching sector and it can be hard to decide which of the many areas to pursue. In this booklet you will find an overview of...