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 '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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Density, Mass and Volume’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Nice simple starter asks pupils to list objects in order of density. Density is then clearly explained with visual effects to provide an example with a definition. Volume is also explained with comparative visuals. This lead to density being considered with volume and then both considered to produce mass - leading m=ρV. Some review questions practice the use of this equation.
Pupils are tasked with finding the density of different objects provided by the teacher (simple shapes of common materials required). REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5
To continue the lesson the story of Archimedes and the gold crown is told featuring some key questioning for pupils. This then leads to pupils finding the density of irregular shaped objects by ‘displacement technique’ (REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5).
To further extend pupil knowledge Archimedes principle of displacement is further explored with floating objects such as ships in water, icebergs and ice on water.
Lesson Objectives:
- State and explain the properties called volume, density and mass.
- Use the density equation to calculate different properties of objects.
- Describe in detail experiments to identify an objects density.
- Explain how large objects such as ships float in water.
Complete lesson on 'Wave Properties/Natures of Waves/Measuring Waves' with key content from AQA Physics.
This lesson covers types of waves, parts of waves/characteristics, wave speed equation, terms and starts discussing EM waves.
Starter uses a cryptogram for pupils to solve and produce the key words for the topic
Guidance provided on Slinky demo and questioning to prompt pupils to produce key statements which are later detailed (as common exam questions).
Wave speed question explained and modelled with practice questions.
Task sheet with stretch and challenge questions which can be edited out.
Lesson includes some simple exam style questions which can be used as mini plenaries to link to exams.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - fuses, circuit breakers and RCCBs including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter reviews previous unit content on plug wiring and AC/DC current which leads to fuses.
Electrical safety is discussed through the effects of electric shocks and resistance is briefly revisited, reviewing previous P2 content. Resistance in a wire is related to the operation of fuses which is then detailed ( a nice demo is included in the comment box but alternatively a video can be shown).
Circuit breakers and their function is detailed with animations and videos with key questioning on functions.
A written task reviews fuses and circuit breakers.
The detail required by the exam specification is provided (with an alternative slide for classes that would want to know more).
The importance of earthing is explored through questioning (relating back to P2 Statics).
The plenary task uses pictionary to review all key concepts.
More P2 lessons to come
A Christmas Science Quiz to finish a hard term with to have a bit of fun with the class and at the same time still doing work in class relevant to Science.
2 quizzes to use, one basic and one extended.
Basic Quiz contains 5 rounds:
1)Biology Trivia (5 questions)
2)Chemistry Trivia (5 questions)
3) Physics Trivia (5 questions)
4) What is under the microscope? (10 questions)
5) Who is the Secret Scientist Santa? (5 questions)
With some bonus questions between each round. (5 questions)
Extended Quiz contains 6 rounds:
1)Biology Trivia (10 questions)
2)Chemistry Trivia (10 questions)
3) Physics Trivia (10 questions)
4) What is under the microscope? (10 questions)
5) Who is the Secret Scientist Santa? (5 questions)
6) What is the pix-elated piece of science equipment? (5 questions)
With some bonus questions between each round.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Momentum including key content from AQA exam specification.
The starter begins with getting pupils to relate size and velocity of moving bodies to momentum.
The equation for momentum is clearly explained and designed with an exercise in rearranging the equation (with the triangle technique). Questions follow to practice the use of this equation.
Momentum is consolidated with a literacy task relating to a Newtons cradle.
Conservation of momentum is detailed in relation to collisions with questions and answers to practice answering questions relating to this.
Conservation of momentum is detailed in relation to explosions with questions and answers to practice answering questions relating to this.
More P2 lessons to come
Completely resourced lesson on Forces and Driving with key content from AQA Physics.
Learning 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.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking.
Stopping distances are reviewed with thinking and braking distances, this leads to a class activity on reaction times to consolidate thinking distances.
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.
Completely resourced lesson on Forces and Elasticity with key content from AQA and Edexcel Physics.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify objects in compression or tension.
- Explain what is meant by a proportional relationship.
- Describe an experiment to extension of an object due to force applied.
- Interpret and draw conclusions from a force-extension graph.
Lesson starts by discussing what elasticity is in relation to familiar, everyday objects which then challenge pupil thinking with 'slo-motion' videos of these objects being impacted.
Elasticity is then further explored with compression and tension.
A quick review on proportionality is covered through questioning supporting pupils in key maths skills required.
A class experiment is detailed using simple Physics equipment to test everyday materials for to produce a force-extension graph. Conclusions can then be drawn from the data produced in this experiment.
Hooke's law is detailed and related to a simply spring extension experiment and used to highlight spring constants.
Plenary poses a summary question for pupils to answer with detailed responses showing their understanding of elasticity.
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.
The lesson is summarised with review questions on the content covered.
USES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the properties of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify that nuclear radiation can be dangerous and useful.
3) Explain in detail one or two applications of nuclear radiation.
4) Apply your knowledge of nuclear radiation to exam questions.
Applications explored in detail: geiger-muller counter, x-rays, badges, automatic thickness monitoring, traces, smoke alarms, carbon dating and uranium dating.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on atomic structure, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. (created with AQA specification content).
Lesson Objectives:
- Recall and detail the basic structure of an atom.
- Relate number of protons, electrons and neutrons to mass and atomic numbers.
- Explain how atoms form ions & identify the isotopes of different elements.
- Explain radioactivity in terms of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
The lesson guides pupils very clearly through exactly what radioactivity is by starting with the atom and so isotopes.
Starter prompts pupils to find the key words for the lesson using a ‘say what you see’ game.
Following a review of the atoms structure and properties through questioning. A task exploring the periodic table using relative atomic mass and atomic number familiarises pupils with these as they are important later.
Ions are reviewed through a task using visuals of atoms/ions to identify ions or atoms with appropriate charge. This then leads onto explaining what isotopes which can then be linked to unstable elements.
Radioactivity is then explained through a basic description relating to like charges of protons in the nucleus and the required binding energy to hold the nucleus together.
Alpha, Beta and Gamma are then reviewed with visuals of the process to relate to pupils clearly what happens.
A literacy task summarises and reviews the lesson.
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 'Nuclear Fission ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Learning Objectives for Fission lesson:
State and explain what is meant by Nuclear Fission.
State the isotopes commonly used in Nuclear Power stations.
Explain the process of a nuclear fission chain reaction.
Identify and explain in detail the key features of a Nuclear Power station.
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 '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)
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 ‘Velocity - time graphs’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter prompts pupils to discuss what would win a race, a sports car on the road or a car falling from the sky in a mile race. Pupils are then asked to put cars in order acceleration in terms of 0-60 mph.
The difference between speed and velocity is highlighted.
A class activity uses a video car chase for pupils to time the duration of different events which is then used to create a velocity time graph. This allows for the v-t graph to be discussed in terms of what the trends show.
Key v-t graph trends are highlighted and reviewed with how gradients of v-t graphs can give acceleration. Pupils are then tasked to answer questions in relation to the v-t graph from the car chase video.
A quick task requires pupils to match v-t graph trends with d-t graph trends.
The plenary takes a look at a v-t graph for a sky diver to start discussing this area.
Lesson Objectives:
Plot a v-t graph.
Identify key v-t graph trends.
Use the gradient of a v-t graph to calculate the acceleration of an object.
Analyse motion of a body using a v-t graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'EM spectrum details' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength, frequency and energy.
2) Explain in detail with different uses up to 4 EM waves.
3)Explain in detail with different uses of all 4 EM waves.
4) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Atmospheric Pressure’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Learning objectives:
- Explain what atmospheric pressure is.
- Describe a simple model of earth atmosphere and atmospheric pressure.
- Identify how atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.
- Carry out calculations with atmospheric pressure at different altitudes.
