A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
This is a detailed lesson which looks at the topic of reaction times and guides students through calculating a reaction time using the results of the well known ruler-drop test. In addition, students will see how reaction times can be applied in athletics but also in the calculation of the thinking distance for drivers. The lesson includes an engaging lesson presentation (32 slides) and a student task worksheet.
The lesson begins by introducing the key term, reaction time, and teaching students that the average reaction time is 0.2 seconds. Moving forwards, a step by step guide is used to show the students how to take the value for distance travelled by a ruler in the drop test and use the equations of motion and change in velocity equation to calculate the reaction time. There is a large mathematical element to the lesson which challenges the students ability to rearrange formula, convert between units and leave answers to a specified number of significant figures. The answers and methods in obtaining these are always displayed at the end of each task so that the students can assess their understanding and recognise where errors were made if any were. Students will have to follow the provided method to obtain 5 results in the ruler drop test and ultimately find out their own reaction time. The remainder of the lesson looks at how the thinking distance at different speeds can be calculated.
This lesson has been written for GCSE students due to the high maths content but could be used with younger students of high ability.
A fully resourced lesson which guides students through writing decay equations to represent alpha and beta decay. This lesson includes a lesson presentation (41 slides) and differentiated worksheets. Time is taken at the beginning of the lesson to ensure that students know the sub-atomic particles that are found in an alpha particle and a beta particle so that they can understand why the atomic and mass numbers are affected during the decay. Moving forwards, a step-by-step guide is used to show students how to write both types of equations. There are regular progress checks throughout the lesson so that students can check their understanding.
This lesson has been written for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK)
An engaging lesson presentation (45 slides) that uses a combination of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within unit P6 (Waves) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification (specification point P6.6).
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Longitudinal and transverse waves
Properties of waves
Types of EM waves
Properties and applications of EM waves
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “Tell EM the word” and “Take the HOTSEAT” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention
An informative lesson presentation (37 slides) and associated question worksheet which looks at the key properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Students are given key pieces of information during the lesson and are then challenged to use their knowledge of related topics such as atomic structure and waves to complete the information table about the types of radiation. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to compare the types of radiation on form, charge, relative mass, penetrating power and equation symbols. Progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students can constantly assess their understanding.
This lesson has been written for GCSE students (14 - 16 year olds in the UK).
This is an engaging REVISION lesson which uses a range of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content within topic 6 (Waves) of the AQA GCSE Physics (8463) specification.
The specification points that are covered in this revision lesson include:
Transverse and longitudinal waves
Properties of waves
Reflection of waves
Sound waves
Waves for detection and exploration
Types of electromagnetic waves
Properties of electromagnetic waves
Visible light
The students will thoroughly enjoy the range of activities, which include quiz competitions such as “Should you WAVE goodbye” where they have to determine whether a passage about waves is 100% correct or not whilst all the time evaluating and assessing which areas of this topic will need their further attention. This lesson can be used as revision resource at the end of the topic or in the lead up to mocks or the actual GCSE exams
This fully-resourced REVISION lesson has been written to challenge the students on their knowledge of the content of topic 5 Solids, liquids and gases) of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics specification. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources will motivate the students whilst they assess their understanding of the content and identify any areas which may require further attention.
The wide range of activities have been written to cover as much of the topic as possible but the following specification points have been given particular focus:
Using the correct units
Converting between the Kelvin and degrees Celsius scales
Explain the qualitative relationship between pressure and Kelvin temperature
Use the relationship between pressure and Kelvin temperature
Know and use the equations for density and pressure
Design an experiment to investigate density
Know the meaning of the specific heat capacity
Use the equation for change in thermal energy
Quiz rounds such as “SAY WHAT YOU SEE” and “YOU DO THE MATH” are used to test the students on their knowledge of key terms as well as numerical facts
This fully-resourced revision lesson challenges the students on their knowledge of the content which is detailed in topic 14 (Particle model) of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification. The wide range of activities, which include exam-style questions with clear explanations, will allow them to assess their understanding of the content and to recognise those areas which require further attention.
The lesson has been designed to cover as much of the module as possible but the following specification points have been given particular attention:
Recall and use the equation to calculate density
Explain the differences in density between the different states of matter
Describe that mass is conserved during physical changes
Explain how heating a system will change the temperature or change a state
Define the terms specific heat capacity and specific latent heat and describe the differences between them
Use the equations involving specific heat capacity and specific latent heat
Explain the qualitative relationship between Kelvin temperature and pressure of a gas
Convert between the Kelvin and degrees Celsius scales
Explain the effect of changing the volume on the pressure of a fixed mass of gas at a constant temperature
Explain why doing work on a gas can increase the temperature
Most of the resources are differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and be challenged and the PowerPoint guides the students through the range of mathematical skills which are tested in this topic
This revision lesson is fully-resourced and has been written to allow students to assess their understanding of the content detailed in topic 15 (Forces and matter) of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification. The engaging and detailed PowerPoint uses a wide range of activities, which includes exam-style questions with clear explanations of the answers, to enable the students to identify those areas which require further attention before the mock or terminal examinations.
The lesson was designed to cover as much of the topic as possible but the following points have received particular attention:
The difference between elastic and inelastic distortion
Recall and use the equation for linear elastic distortion
Use the equation to calculate the work done in stretching
Describe the relationship between force and extension
Recall and use the equation for pressure
Describe how pressure in fluids increases with depth and density
Use the equation to calculate the magnitude of pressure in liquids
Explain that an object in a fluid is subjected to upthrust
Calculate the depth at which an object floats
Due to the heavy mathematical content of this specification and particularly this topic, a lot of the activities challenge the students on their ability to recall and apply the equations. Step-by-step guides and differentiated resources are used to allow students of differing abilities to access the work.
This is an engaging and informative lesson that looks at the wires inside a UK plug and considers their role in terms of the supply of mains electricity. The safety features of the plug, such as the fuse, are also discussed so that students can understand how a particular fuse is chosen.
As the cover image shows, the lesson begins by challenging the students to use their knowledge of all three of the Sciences to come up with the three names of the wires. Some students will know that these are the wires in a UK plug but some wont. Key terminology such as three-core cable is used throughout, as well as a running theme with the colours, so that students become accustomed to identifying a particular wire by its plastic insulation. Through a range of tasks which encourage student discovery and educated predictions, the students will learn the functions of each of the wires as well as their potential difference. The fuse is introduced to the students and links are made to the electrical circuits topic by considering the resistance of the wire inside the fuse and challenging them to use the electrical power equation to calculate a current and choose an appropriate fuse for that plug. The aim of the lesson is to get students to absorb information as the lesson progresses in order to eventually label a black and white diagram of the plug. The last part of the lesson looks at two-core cables and then relates this back to the importance of the earth wire in a UK plug.
This lesson has been written for GCSE aged students but is suitable for use with younger students who are learning about this topic.
This is a fully-resourced lesson that looks at the different parts of the National Grid, specifically focusing on the roles of the step-up and step-down transformers. The lesson includes an informative lesson presentation (25 slides) and a calculations worksheet which challenges the students to apply their mathematical skills to work out why the potential difference is increased and decreased by the transformers. Time has been taken to make links to related topics such as electrical circuits as well as the conservation of energy. Students will recognise that a high current would have led to a lot energy being dissipated to a thermal energy store if step-up transformers weren’t involved and also that decreasing the potential difference before it enters the homes as mains electricity is important to reduce the risk of electrocution. A number of quick competitions are used to introduce key terms or to check on understanding such as ORDER, ORDER which is shown on the cover image where students have to recognise when the parts of the National Grid are finally shown in the correct order.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE aged students.
A fully-resourced lesson that explores how resistance, current and potential difference differ between series and parallel circuits. This knowledge needs to be sound in order for students to be able to carry out circuit calculations. The lesson includes a practical and task-based lesson presentation (24 slides) and an accompanying worksheet. The lesson begins by challenging the students to recognise the key difference between the two circuits, in that in a parallel circuits, the electrons can follow more than one route. Moving forwards, each physical factor is investigated in each type of circuits and students carry out tasks or calculations to back up any theory given. Helpful analogies and hints are provided to guide the students through this topic which is sometimes poorly understood. Students will be challenged to use the V = IR equation on a number of occasions so that they are comfortable to find out any of these three factors. Progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students are constantly assessing their understanding and any misconceptions can be addressed.
This has been written for GCSE students, but could be potentially used with higher ability KS3 students.
An engaging, practical-based lesson presentation (34 slides), accompanied by a practical worksheet and differentiated questions worksheet, which together guide students through the different calculation questions which involve the half-life. The lesson begins by introducing the students to the definition of a half-life and then showing them an example with I-131 so they can visualise how the half-life doesn’t change (and that radioactivity is measured in Bq). Moving forwards, the students will follow the given instructions to create the results to plot a decay curve and will be shown how to use this curve to determine the half-life of an isotope. The remainder of the lesson focuses on the different calculation questions that can be found on exam papers and uses a step by step guide to help them to handle the increasing difficulty. Students will be challenged to apply their new found knowledge to a set of 5 questions and this worksheet has been differentiated two ways so that those who need extra assistance, can still access the learning. Progress checks have been written into the lesson at regular intervals so that students can constantly assess their understanding.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students (14 - 16 years old in the UK)
This revision lesson has been filled with activities that will challenge the students on their knowledge and understanding of the content detailed in topic 9 of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics specification. The wide range of activities in the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources will check on the knowledge of the forces and their effects topic and allow the students to recognise those areas which need further attention before the mock or terminal GCSE exams.
This resource has been designed to cover as much of topic 9 as possible but the following points have received particular attention:
What happens when objects can interact at a distance without contact
What happens when objects can interact by contact
Explain the difference between vector and scalar quantities using examples
Draw free body diagrams
Recall and use the equation to calculate the moment of a force
Recall and use the principle of moments in situations where rotational forces are in equilibrium
Explain ways of reducing unwanted energy transfer through lubrication
The main task of the lesson which challenges students to use the principle of moments has been differentiated so that differing abilities can access the work
This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content found within Physics Topic 1 (Key concepts in Physics) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification. Topic 1 is common to both Paper 5 and 6 and therefore will be tested in both of these exams.
The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include:
Recall and use the SI units for the physical quantities
Recall and use multiples and sub-multiples of units, including giga, mega, kilo, centi, milli, micro and nano
Be able to convert between different units, including hours to seconds
Use significant figures and standard form where appropriate
Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams
A fully resourced lesson which includes an informative lesson presentation (25 slides) and an associated worksheet that show students how to give answers to a certain number of significant figures. The answers to questions in Science are often required to be given in significant figures and this lesson guides students through this process, including the rules of rounding that must be applied for success to be likely.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students but is suitable for KS3
An engaging lesson presentation (30 slides) that looks at electric current and ensures that students know the key details about this factor in preparation for their GCSE studies. The lesson begins by forming a definition for this electrical term and then as the lesson progresses, this definition is broken so that each element is understood. Students will be introduced to the difference between electron flow and conventional current. Time is taken to ensure that students understand that an ammeter must be set up in series. The remainder of the lesson will focus on the mathematical calculations which include current and important skills such as converting between units is covered.]
As stated above, this lesson has been designed primarily for those students taking their GCSE exams (14 - 16 year olds in the UK) but is suitable for younger students too.
A detailed lesson presentation which guides students through calculating the current, potential difference and resistance in series and parallel circuits. The lesson begins by challenging the students to recognise whether three displayed facts relate to series or parallel circuits. Students are then given a chance to remind themselves of the differences between the circuits in terms of these three physical factors. The rest of the lesson uses a step-by-step guide format to show the students how to work through a circuit calculation by combining their knowledge of the circuit with application of the V = IR equation. Progress checks have been written throughout the lesson so that students can constantly assess their understanding.
This lesson has been designed for GCSE students
This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that could be used over a series of lessons to help students to revise and assess their knowledge of the content that is found in topics P1 (Energy), P2 (Electricity), P3 (Particle model of matter) and P4 (Atomic structure) of the AQA GCSE Combined Science specification and will be assessed on PAPER 5. This revision lesson uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to cover the following sub-topics and specification points:
Energy stores and systems
Changes in energy
Energy changes in systems
Standard circuit diagram symbols
Electrical charge and current
Current, resistance and potential difference
Series and parallel circuits
Power
Specific heat capacity
The structure of an atom
Mass number, atomic number and isotopes
The development of the model of the atom
Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation
Nuclear equations
Half-lives
This lesson contains a big emphasis on the mathematical calculations that will be involved in these exams, and as a result students are challenged to recall the equations and to apply them.
Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams. A lot of the tasks have been differentiated so that students of all abilities can access the work and be challenged appropriately.
This is a fully-resourced revision lesson that uses a combination of exam questions, understanding checks, quick tasks and quiz competitions to enable students to assess their understanding of the content found within Topics P4 and P5 (Waves, Light and the Electromagnetic spectrum) of the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification.
The sub-topics and specification points that are tested within the lesson include:
Define and use the terms frequency, wavelength, amplitude, period and wave velocity as applied to waves
Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves by referring to sound and EM waves
Recall and use the two equations to calculate wave speed
Describe how to measure the velocity of sound in air and ripples on water surfaces
Explain how waves will be refracted at a boundary in terms of the change in direction and speed
Recall that the EM waves are transverse and travel at the same speed in a vacuum
Recall the main groupings of the EM spectrum
Recall the potential danger associated with EM waves with increasing frequency
Describe some uses of the EM waves
Students will be engaged through the numerous quiz rounds whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which require their further attention during general revision or during the lead up to the actual GCSE terminal exams
An engaging lesson presentation (43 slides) and associated worksheets that uses a combination of exam questions, quick tasks and quiz competitions to help the students to assess their understanding of the topics found within unit P5 (Energy) of the OCR Gateway A GCSE Combined Science specification
The topics that are tested within the lesson include:
Conservation of energy
Efficiency
Energy transfer by heating
Mechanical energy transfers
Students will be engaged through the numerous activities including quiz rounds like “The TRANSFER market” whilst crucially being able to recognise those areas which need further attention