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 GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Electric Currents (charge) and energy transfer' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
The starter is in the style of the 'countdown conundrum' which is for some of the lessons key words.
Questions review key electric current knowledge from earlier current electricity which is relevant to the lesson and also serves as a recap/revision opportunity. Key electrical current concepts are summarised.
Current and charge are related together in an explanation and through the relevant equation with questions for pupils to complete using this.
Energy in circuits is related to voltage supplied by a supply to electrical charge and how this will then deliver energy to components, this also offers the chance to review some circuit rules.
The E = V x Q equation is explained leading to questions using the equation plus ohm's law and circuit rules.
A collection of review questions and some exam style questions conclude the lesson.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review key content on electrical current.
2) Identify what a unit of charge is.
3) Perform calculations for energy transfer in circuits using p.d and charge.
4) Relate energy transfer by charge to different electrical components.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Renewable Energy Resources (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectricity, Wave, tidal, geothermal)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts with a series of riddles relating to different types of energy resources.
The need for renewable/alternative energy resources is highlight through questioning regarding previously studied fossil fuels, nuclear power and biofuels.
The different types of renewable energy resources are reviewed for note taking and discussion. Following a summary of key renewable energy resource advantages and disadvantages the pupils are given a writing challenge to compare and contrast different types of energy resources.
The lesson can be done as regular in class lesson or alternatively can be given as webquest for pupils to complete and then slides used for key summary and consolidation.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain the need for renewable energy resources.
2) Identify a number of different renewable energy resources.
3) Detail how different energy resources meet our energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare different methods of renewable energy resources, with non renewable resources.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy and Efficiency' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
The lesson can start with either a task to correct statements provided about energy or to discuss what happens to wasted energy.
Different types of bulbs are shown through images which pupils are likely to have comes across, they are then prompted to discuss how they are different and why we use different ones, this lead to talking about efficiency.
Useful and wasted energy are explained and related to context and energy flow diagrams previously used. Also a key explanation of what happens to wasted energy is given. Pupils must then identify whether particular energy changes are useful or wasteful for certain devices.
Energy efficiency is detailed to students and then presented as 'units of energy' in a form similar to sankey diagrams (which are no longer required by AQA but can help students rationalise percentages). A class activity is outlined which requires groups of pupils to shown how energy is split by different devices and can help students visually see how portions of energy are distributed. Following this the energy equation is given which is then used by two sets of review questions.
The lesson concludes with content for higher tier students which looks at ways energy waste can be reduced.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain what is meant by useful and wasted energy.
2) Explain what eventually happens to wasted energy.
3) Calculate the energy efficiency of different appliances.
4) Detail how energy transfers can be made more efficient. (Higher tier only)
Complete AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Current and Charge.
Starter begins with discussion of why static electricity couldn't be used as the power source for lighting which follows on from the previous lesson on statics (will add varied starters at a later date)
Key circuit symbols & functions are reviewed using the worksheet which can be done with electrical components and highlight the required circuit symbols to recognise by the AQA specification.
The main consists simple circuit building and drawing activities to provide a foundation to build the circuits required for experiments later in the unit.
Questioning leads to a definition of electrical current and electrical charge with the appropriate equations detailed.
Plenary questions are provided and also a true or false activity on the lessons content.
Lesson objectives:
1) Identify circuit symbols and their functions. (D)
2) Build electrical circuits using circuit diagrams. (C)
3) Draw circuits using appropriate symbols. (B)
4) Define the term ‘electrical current’ and carry out current calculations. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Circuits, current and charge lesson' 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.
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Specific Heat Capacity' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
A choice of two starters, one ask pupils to put a series of fluids in order of which would boil first from the same heat source another poses questions on different volumes of water and boiling and placing hot objects above boiling temperature in water.
A focus on words to inform what specific heat capacity means to help understand the equation and units is given to explain what it meant by specific heat capacity. Questions included for practice of using equation for exam to secure marks in exam. A link to video is provided with prepared questions for pupils to answer.
Specific heat capacity is further detailed with illustrations and comparisons of different substances.
The AQA required practical 1 is provided as part of the lesson (all be it a tricky practical due to likely limited resources for the class), different methodologies are provided (many link to different methods are also in the note box).
A set of review questions and mini-plenary questions conclude the lesson along with an example exam question.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State the relationship between energy, mass and temperature.
2) Explain how different materials affect the amount of energy required in temperature change.
3) Calculate the energy required to change an objects temperature.
4) Re-arrange the required equation appropriately.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Planet, satellites and orbits’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what keeps objects in orbit.
Identify the direction of force on an orbiting object.
Explain how the velocity of a body changes as the body moves around its orbit.
Explain how an object stays in orbit
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Forces and Braking written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions are provided with answer within the Power Point.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve. Stopping distances is explored by looking at different size vehicles going at the same velocity and then braking. Stopping distance is also reviewed against different velocities.
Thinking distance and braking distance are highlighted and discussed with a class activity exploring the effects of different factors on thinking distance with higher or lower activity. A class activity is also provided to investigate pupils reaction time to relate to thinking distance.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking. This leads to an exploration of the physics of braking in terms of changes to energy stores and then also how to calculate braking force.
Summary questions are provided on this topic to finish the lesson.
Plenary poses the starting question again in light of new information pupils will now have.
Lesson Objectives:
- Evaluate different vehicle speeds for stopping distances
- Explain what happens during braking of a vehicle.
- Identify and explain what can effect the stopping distance of a vehicle.
- Investigate how a drivers reaction time effect stopping distance.
- Calculate the braking force of a required for moving vehicles.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Cable and Plugs' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
For starter different plugs from the around the world can be put in bags to be passed around or a dismantled plug. Pupils are to guess what is in the bag. Following this pupils are to discuss why there are different types of plugs around the world which lead to discussion of the AC/DC war between Edison and Tesla (this part of the lesson can be easily removed if not suitable for the class).
The anatomy of a plug is shown and explained in detail for all 3 wires, colours and function. Safe wiring of a plug is reviewed which leads to a class activity to wire plugs safely. Plug design is reviewed through questioning required properties of different plug parts and appropriate materials to each property required.
How electrical devices can become live or how people can get electric shocks is reviewed and illustrated.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review AC/DC current and how it caused us to have different plugs.
2) Recall the different colour wires in a plug.
3) Relate different wires to their function.
4) Identify and explain the safety features of a plug.
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 'Melting and Boiling points of substances (changes in states)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification
Lesson Outline:
Starter uses 5 quick question to recap some prior content question some key concepts for the lesson. Pure substances are discussed using a visual game to recognise if a pure substance is being shown or not - leading to a key definition.
Melting and boiling points are then highlighted and linked back to the previous changes of states illustration. Impurities in substances are then discussed to show the importance of pure substances in melting and boiling points.
An experiment to acquire data on melting and boiling points of water is outlined which lead to plotting a change of state graph.
An ideal change of state diagram then allows the teacher to discuss with the class trends and key points along the graph.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify pure substances and mixtures.
- Explain what is meant by melting point and boiling point of a substance.-
- Compare and contrast boiling and evaporation.
- Detail changes in state of substance using a graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Properties of Waves (transverse and longitudinal) ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
State what a wave is and does.
Identify the two types of waves and give examples.
Explain wave characteristics.
Calculate waves speed, frequency and wave length.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Changes in energy stores' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lessons starts with a 'true or false' activity to review students understanding and misconceptions on the topic.
The importance of energy in physics is highlighted in brief to show relevance of the topic.
Forms of energy are reviewed as this is likely the manner in which many students have learnt the basics of the topic at KS3.
KS3 knowledge is then put in context to the way in which energy is considered at AQA GCSE level.
Energy stores and energy transfers are reviewed for students leading to energy flow diagrams.
Following examples of how to detail changes in energy stores the students have review questions to answer and this is followed by an energy circus activity.
The lesson finished with exam style questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall different forms of energy.
2) Identify different energy stores
3) Explain how energy can be transferred between energy stores.
4) Detail how the energy stores change for various different processes.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Centre of Mass' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter simply looks at balancing object on one finger and how intuitively we can know how to do this. Then stability of different shapes is reviewed and again highlighted how we can assess whether something will be stable or not. The physics of this is then applied in terms of centre of mass. The technique to find the centre of mass for a symmetrical shape is detailed and practices with questions.
Suspended equilibrium and centre of mass is shown using a hanging bird cage and can also be demonstrated in class with a simple mass and string. Then an experiment is outlined to find the centre of mass of irregular shapes.
Centre of mass it then related to real life contexts for practice exam questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what is meant by centre of mass.
- Find the centre of mass for a simple symmetrical object and explain this position.
- Find the centre of mass of an irregular shaped object.
- Apply the principle of centre of mass to real-life problems.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy Demands & Resources (Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power & Biofuels)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter uses a series of riddles for pupils to identify different energy resources to do with the lesson. The importance of fire is discussed for humans (this could also be linked with chemistry content on combustion, showing science links). Energy demands of the world are discussed and summarised to highlight what we need energy for and where it comes from in what proportions.
An Activity sheet included to identify key part of a fossil fuelled power station (although not necessarily required by AQA anymore).
Fossil fuels are covered in details and discussed the future issues with its usage, leading to Nuclear. Following description of Nuclear (with advantages and disadvantages) with an examiner tip in the note box - fossil fuels and nuclear power are contrasted.
Bio-fuels are reviewed as an alternative resources of energy and discussed a renewable and carbon neutral source.
Lesson concludes with a set of review questions on the topic which could also be used as a homework task.
Extra riddle question at the end.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify different ways of meeting our energy demands.
2) Explain how each major component of a fossil fuelled power station works..
3) Explain in further detail different methods meeting energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare the use fossil fuels, nuclear power and bio-fuels.
AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Potential Difference & Resistance.
Starter begins with simple discuss and demo of how to make a ball move without touching it which leads to a discussion of gravitational potential and so can be related to electrical potential, potential difference.
A class activity to make a pupil circuit is detailed along with guidance on set-up and questioning throughout. This can be greater used later as AfL and to help with series and parallel circuits.
The main uses the ohm's law investigation to get pupils to investigate the relationship between current and voltage which leads to ohm's law and the equation. Questions included to conclude lesson.
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Potential Difference and Resistance lesson' 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.
Complete AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Electric Charges and Fields.
Starter begins with discussion of a popular lightning myth/misconception which will be revisited at the end of the lesson. The structure of the atom is reviewed leading to how atoms can gain a charge and therefore how objects can become charged. The main consists of two simple experiments for pupils to do using safe and simple equipment to explore statics. Students also explore electric fields which exist around charge objects and draw these (as required by new specification)
Questions on the Van der Graaf are included with links to videos and a simulator if the teacher doesn't have access to a Van der Graaf.
Lesson is consolidated by revisiting the starter reviewing pupil knowledge and also through exam style questions based on the specification and style of sample exam papers content.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Describe the structure of the atoms. (D)
2) Explain how an atom can be ‘charged’ and how an object can have a ‘charge’ (C)
3) Investigate how charged objects interact with each other due to electric fields. (B)
4)Apply you knowledge of ‘charges’ to explain static electricity. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previosuly listed 'Statics lesson' 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 Impact Forces written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter ‘Car Wars’ looks at the test collision between an old and a new vehicle to stimulate discussion of collisions and safety - posing the question which car is safer and why?
This is discussed and reviewed focusing on crumple zones and comparing how each car crumpled and why this is good (or for the old car, bad).
Crumple zones, air bags and seat belts are detailed and discussed for common function - to increase impact time to decrease impact force. This concept is highlighted by exploring the physics mathematically.
Review questions with answers are provided for the topic.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify key safety features of vehicles to reduce impact force.
- Explain how ‘impact time’ affects impact force.
- Relate momentum to impact forces in collisions and explain how impact forces can be reduced in car collisions.
- Calculate impact forces resulting from collisions.
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.
Complete GCSE Physics lessons on I-V Characteristics using key content from AQA Physics P2.
Starter provides a discussion of graph trends and what graphs tell us, this leads on to wider details of how to interpret graph results and key vocabulary.
Sometime can be spent getting pupils to plan an experiment to investigate I-V characteristics of different electrical components but you can choose to move straight to the guided investigation.
On collection of data for fixed resistors, diodes and filaments bulbs the class can plot their data on graphs.
Key data trends are summarised with explanations of trends for each component.
Exam style questions are provided in the relation the new specification.
Lesson finished with questioning on LDR's and thermistors with an activity which can be in class or for homework.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify relationships shown by graphs. (D)
2) Design & carry out an experiment to investigate the relationship between I & V for different electrical components. (C)
3) Explain how current and voltage vary for a filament bulb, diode and fixed resistor. (B)
4) Explain in detail what causes the current and voltage to change for key electrical components. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'I_V charasteristics' 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.
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Heating and insulation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter comprises of a series of questions reviewing the content from previous lessons on energy transfer by heating. The definition of insulators are quickly reviewed and this then leads to details of the required practical on insulation. Questioning is provided relating to AT 1 and AT5 before the experiment guidance is given. 3 different experiment approaches are provided: different materials, different number of layers and different starting temperature are given as varied choice of investigation. These link to the factors which affect rate of heat transfer across a material. Data analysis and conclusion guidance is provided.
The lesson continue by relating insulation to the home, detailing key methods of insulating the home.
A task sheet which can be used for homework is provided which ask pupils to identify how different things either keep or lose heat energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review topic of energy transfer by heating.
2) Identify suitable apparatus to complete a scientific investigation.
3) Detail appropriate and safe use of apparatus to complete an investigation.
4) Analyse and interpret collected data to draw conclusions.