I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
New AQA GCSE lesson on Scalars and Vectors (+ Forces) written in line with new GCSE AQA specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter asks how far away a school is from a home - this prompts responses from pupils that either follow the road or straight across the field. This introduces the idea of distance and displacement which is explained in detail. This is also used to explain magnitude, scalars and vectors. A series of questions review pupils understanding of distance and displacement.
A quick class activity reviews a number of different variables to classify each as scalar or vector.
Speed and Velocity are identified as a scalar and vector by reviewing the equations and then also related to acceleration. This leads to force the representation of force vectors and scale diagrams.
A quick review of forces and different types of forces lead to force interactions and their effects. A set of review questions provides use of force vectors.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how displacement and distance are different.
- Identify and explain scalar and vector quantities.
- Identify different types of forces and how these can be represented.
- Explain what the effect of simple force interactions will have on objects.
Complete lesson on u-values and payback time with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter includes 10 questions to serve as a summary of previous heat transfer content.
Main includes simple insulation experiment leading to explanation of u-values explaining the units clearly.
Pupils often get confused with U-values and what they mean, direct link to experiment can help by discussing results from the experiment and which material would have a higher or lower u-value.
U-values related to key home insulation methods, this lead onto cost effectiveness and payback time.
Plenary uses exam style questions including a 6 mark question.
More lessons to follow in same format for P1.
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GCSE lesson on specific heat capacity including key content from AQA GCSE Physics.
Includes an example which could be used as an teacher demo if wished for starter.
Lesson focuses on words to inform what specific heat capacity means to help understand the equation and units. Questions included for practice of using equation for exam to secure marks in exam.
Also an exam question is attached at the end.
More P1 lessons in same format.
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Complete lesson on heat transfer by design with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter includes a simple teacher demo and competition if you wish to make it that way.
Main includes simple challenge for pupils using simple equipment and key information and tasks on heat transfer applications.
Plenary uses 6 mark exam question.
Home structure included for pupils that would prefer to not draw their own for home insulation task.
More lessons to follow in same format for P1.
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Complete lesson on the National Grid with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses a 'say what you see' game for pupils to get key words for lesson
Starter of the lesson lets the class explore where their nearest power station is and start discussing how the electricity gets from station to home. This leads on to explanation of major components with a focus on key AQA statements and transformers. Different teacher demos included to be used if equipment is available.
Main includes a card sort of national grid parts leading to different consumers at different voltage step downs.
Lesson concludes with comparison of overhead and underground power cables with exam style questions.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
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GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Series Circuits using key content from AQA exam specification.
The starter for the lesson revisits models as a way of helping to explain principles of electric circuits. The model used is a simple model which you can do as a class activity or a class demo by simply using string with dots spotted around the string. This helps to summarise key terms before moving onto series circuit rules.
The string model is then used to help pupils explain key series circuit rules which are summarised.
The main uses a circuit experiment requiring the pupils to build 6 different simple circuits using ammeters and voltmeters, results can be drawn with circuit diagrams. (Support sheet included for pupils that may struggle drawing circuits).
Plenary uses a series of questions to apply pupil knowledge of series circuit rules.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review key words for the electricity topic. (D)
2) Explain the current and potential difference rule for series circuits. (C)
3) Investigate current and potential difference in series circuits. (B)
4) Apply the series circuit rule to problems. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Series Circuits' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Conservation of energy' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lessons starts with a 'energy store' description in regards to a pendulum (using interesting animations) which consolidates the previous lessons on energy stores.
The swinging pendulum back towards the face is used as the vehicle to discuss conservation of energy, posing the question 'will you be hit in the face when the pendulum swings back?'. Students are led to an experiment to investigate a pendulum swing using basic lab equipment (clamp, string and mass for end of pendulum, can use a bobbin or plasticine) to make observations. This allows for an informed discussion and conclusion to be made to the original question.
Energy in closed systems are explained with the reason for them to be used in science, open systems are also looked at in order to allow contrast. The conservation of energy is summarised through discussion of systems which lead to comparing and contrasting a bouncy ball and also bungee jumps in relation to changes in energy stores and conservation of energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Use ideas about changes in energy stores to explain a pendulum swinging.
2) State what the ‘conservation of energy’ is and explain why conservation of energy is important.
3) Explain what is meant by a ‘closed system’ and how they are used in science.
4) Compare and contrast changes to energy stores between closed and open systems
Resources for new GCSE AQA Physics 2016 specification.
Bundled lessons cover the Energy and energy resources content of the GCSE.
This includes:
- Changes in energy stores.
- Conservation of energy.
- Energy and work.
- Gravitational potential, kinetic and elastic potential energy.
- Energy and efficiency.
- Electrical appliances, Energy and Power.
- Energy transfer by conduction.
- Infrared radiation.
- Infrared radiation, surfaces and the Earth.
- Heating and insulation.
- Energy demands, Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power and Biofuels.
- Renewable Energy Resources.
For clear detail on aspects of each lesson please review each lesson bundled into the packaged to ensure it meets your requirements. I hope this gives you and your pupils a great start to the new Physics GCSE.
I do update each lesson in the bundle with new and varied content as I often revisit lessons to further improve them.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Alternating Current & Direct Current' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Simple starter using images for pupils to work out what the lesson is about today. Pupils must then group a bunch of electrical devices, either DC or AC supply or both.
The direction of flow of current is reviewed (although not entirely necessary but highlights some key physics).
This leads to descriptions of DC and AC current flow.
A class demo modelling a circuit using pupils as electric charge allows for a visual demonstration of AC and DC current. This can also allow for a teaching opportunity for frequency of AC current.
Key wave properties are reviewed to help with analysis of AC waveform representations.
Mains electricity at 230V and 50Hz is highlighted, being important to the specification. Peak potential difference is also discussed.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions and also a question to review AC and DC current looking at slo-mo capture of lights.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify AC and DC devices.
2) State and explain what is meant by direct current, DC.
3) State and explain what is meant by alternating current and relate to mains supply.
4) Determine period and frequency of an AC supply using diagrams.
Also includes lesson on National Grid.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter relates the previous lesson on ‘work done’ to the current lesson on energy which also brings in the idea of conservation of energy.
Provided a clear explanation of gravitational energy and how this relates to work done students are given the equation which they can immediately use with the ‘book shelf’ activity. Books each of mass 1 kg are flown across different height shelves where students must then calculate their gravitational potential energy.
The idea of kinetic energy is explored by looking at different size vehicles and their top speeds and what this might mean for their kinetic energy. Following the explanation of the equation the students then complete an activity with different vehicles moving across the screen with their speeds and masses visible for student to calculate the kinetic energy of each.
The Elastic potential energy equation is reviewed and then students are able to apply it with review questions.
The elastic potential energy and kinetic energy equations are reviewed in focus to show how they can be re-arranged to make extension and velocity the subject.
Exam questions are provided as a plenary.
Home work questions are provided for review.
Exam questions are given as a plenary task.
Lesson Objectives:
Provide definitions for kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
Apply at least two energy equations to problems successfully.
Apply and re-arrange all energy equations to problems.
Relate work done to changes in energy stores.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Refraction of Light ' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Detail steps to investigate how light travels through materials.
2) Investigate how light travels through materials.
3) Describe what happens to waves when they travel through materials of different densities.
4)Draw ray diagrams to show refraction of light through a glass blocks.
5) Use knowledge of refraction to explain phenomena of light travelling between boundaries.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Terminal Velocity' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain what air resistance is and how it increases.
2) Explain how unbalanced forces cause changes in an objects motion.
3) Detail why an object will reach a maximum velocity.
4) Use a v-t graph to analyse the motion of a Skydiver.
More content to be added to lesson shortly and new worksheets.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Moments, Gear and Equilibrium' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
ALL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS INCLUDED IN POWERPOINT
Starter poses the common question of how easy is it to open a door close to the hinge point which makes a very fun class demo and nicely leads into the lesson on moments,
A variety of simple devices that make use of levers is shown to identify what they all have in common which highlight they all produce a great turning effect/force.
Two experiments are provided to investigate either applied force and turning effect or distance from pivot and turning effect. This helps pupils identify the two contributing factors to moments and therefore the equation. A series of question practice use of the the moment equation.
Balanced moments and equilibrium is explained in relation to a see-saw and then explained with the equation allowing for review question to be completed. An exam question is provided also.
Further a small section on gears is included to relate the principles of moments to gears. Firstly pulleys are shown to make it more easily related to moments which is then directly shown with gears. The use of high gears and low gears with vehicles is explained. (I will revisit this aspect to integrate firmly into the main lesson).
Lesson Objectives:
- Define what is meant by a ‘moment’ and its units.
- Resolve simple moment problems with the moment equation.
- Explain how moments can be increased and how they can be useful.
- Apply the principle of moments to gears and their uses.
- Resolve moments in equilibrium.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Newtons Second Law - Force and Accerlation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter prompts pupils to discuss how there weight would vary on different planets, this is to set-up how weight is different to mass.
Key terms Force, mass and acceleration are reviewed for clarity leading to the equation F=ma, the units, how it can be rearranged and then review questions to practice the use of.
The equation is then reviewed in terms of proportionality as required by the AQA specification.
Following this F=ma is related to W=mg to highlight that weight is a force and different to mass. This then leads to pupils calculating their mass on different planets - alternatively a task is provided to calculate the mass of a schoolbag on different planets.
For higher tier pupils intertial mass is explained.
Learning Objectives:
- Clearly explain what force, mass and acceleration are.
- Relate how mass and acceleration effect the size of a force.
- Calculate the resultant force on an object by its mass and acceleration.
- Explain the difference between weight and mass.
- What is meant by inertia (Higher Tier)
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Pressure in Liquids’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
The lesson starts with a question on the dangers presented to deep sea divers.
How liquids exert a pressure is demonstrated with a visual of a series of containers with different heights of liquid inside whilst highlighting the liquid has mass and therefore weight - this is then linked back to pressure = force/area.
The importance of height in relation to pressure is further reviewed with a water bottle that has holes at different heights - the water jets shooting out is then discussed.
Finally reviewing the importance of density to mass to weight and therefore pressure leads to the formation of the equation, P= ρgh - practice of the use of the equation is provided by looking at the pressure beneath the sea at different depths.
The dangers of deep sea scuba diving are again discussed with the lesson knowledge gained.
The lesson is concluded with a set of review question.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how a liquid exerts a pressure.
- Explain how pressure exerted by a liquid can be increased.
- Explain how pressure varies at different points in liquid.
- Calculate the pressure in a liquid column.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Sound’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain what sound is in terms of a wave.
Explain what an echo is and how it occurs.
Detail what effect amplitude has on sound.
Detail what effect pitch has on sound.
Explain how the human ear detects sound and the limits of the human ear.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on the AC DC generators written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Explain how the generator effect is used in an alternator to generate ac
Explain how a ‘dynamo’ generates dc current
Interpret graphs of potential difference generated in the coil against time.
Explain how a moving-coil microphone works.
6 Lessons covering the topic of Electromagnetism for the AQA GCSE 9-1.
Lessons included:
Magnets and Magnetic fields
Magnetic field and current
The Motor Effect
The Generator Effect
AC DC Generators
Transformers and the National Grid
Please take time to review detail of each included resources before purchase to check suitability for your teaching.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on the Transformers and the National Grid written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain the principle behind transformers
Explain how the ratio of the p.d across two coils relates the number coil turns
Calculate the current from the transformer input supply to provide a set power output
Detail the advantages power transmission at high p.d
Complete lesson on thermal radiation and surfaces with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter includes picture prompts for key words from heat transfer topic.
Main includes experiment which requires some resources to be prepared with simple materials if not already available but can be easily produced.
Fun infra-red images of different objects and animals for a guessing game.
Plenary uses recent news item on LA reservoir to challenge pupil thinking.
Included are plenty of questions where some can be set as homework.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
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