Guess the device from a series of clues This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. People are always looking for ways to save energy. It is estimated that the average UK homeowner could save up to £240 a year alone on the cost of lighting their home. In this unit of learning, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for an LED based automatic home lighting system, designed to save energy. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This is an engaging starter activity where learners will extend their understanding of input and output devices used in the system and consolidate their learning. They will be able to develop their knowledge of components and both test themselves and their peers. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Work out how to reach destinations using a scale map In our daily life we take 21st-century technology for granted. Some could argue that we aren’t developing basic skills, as technology often does the work for us. When the technology fails, however, the absence of some necessary skills could create difficult situations. Can your students use our worksheet and presentation to work out how to reach a destination from a scale map? This activity is an engaging investigation into the uses of communications technology in the modern world. There is an opportunity to audit the students’ skills such as visualisation or map-reading to form a scale drawing. These are skills that may not have been developed due to the use of various electronic devices. As a visualisation activity, distribute the Lost Now presentation as a handout or display it using a data projector. This is an activity where the process of thinking about what the map might show is more important than the actual outcome of the sketch they would produce. The handout has text handouts that can be printed and given to the students. There is also a map using Ordnance Survey symbols that might be better displayed on a screen using a data projector. Students should complete the three activities outlined in the presentation either in groups or as individuals. Tools/resources required Ruler (a transparent ruler showing millimetres is best) Calculators Students will need Ordnance Survey symbols from the website below (either print sheets of the symbols or display them on a screen to save on copying). The engineering context Living in a highly technological world, where access to information and entertainment is at our fingertips, the Inform and Entertain Me topic is a gateway to engage and introduce students to the principles and technology that form the basis for communication devices that are used in our everyday lives. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to make informed decisions about technology for social, economic and environmental reasons, they will be able to use scale drawing and they will have an understanding of how waves are used to carry a communications signal. Download the free Reading maps and scale drawings activity sheet! All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Calculate journey times from one country to another A costly and sometimes very long aeroplane journey is currently the only option if you intend to travel a long distance. However, what about in the future? One method that has been proposed is the vacuum tube train. The vacuum tube train may be able to reach speeds of 4,000 mph, but is it a realistic option? Activity: Use the Speed Equation to Calculate Journey Times In this fun maths activity for KS3, students will use the speed equation to calculate how long it takes to travel to destinations around the globe from the UK via today’s global transport options. They will then be introduced to a new concept in global travel: the vacuum tube train. Students will work in pairs or small groups to complete the tasks on the handouts below. Handout Journey Times A is for higher-ability students, and Journey Times B is for the less able. Students completing the handout Journey Times A may have to be informed/reminded of the speed = distance/time equation and how to use it to calculate the journey times. This activity can be used to introduce ideas about the environmental, economic, ethical and social impacts of each type of global transport. For example, comparing fuel efficiencies, the impact of infrastructure on the environment and how polluting they are. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to calculate time using the speed equation, and they will be able to identify issues surrounding global transport. The engineering context Engineering has constantly propelled human progress, and the vacuum tube train is a testament to this innovation. This cutting-edge transportation marvel utilises sealed tubes to create a low-pressure environment, drastically reducing air resistance. Maglev technology suspends the train, eradicating friction for unparalleled speed. The engineering behind the vacuum tube train merges aerodynamics, materials science, and electromagnetic systems, enabling mind-boggling velocities. As we strive for more sustainable and efficient transit solutions, this exemplifies the potential of engineering to reshape our world, revolutionising travel and underscoring the limitless possibilities when science and ingenuity converge. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Design investigations to test reaction times and ability to concentrate whilst driving In this activity students will design and carry out investigations to test reaction times and ability to concentrate. They will then try their test on older people and use their results to design a car of the future. Students will first be asked to discuss the opinion that road accidents are more likely to be caused by younger drivers. Make sure the students realise that this is an opinion and is not backed up with evidence. They could be asked how this opinion could be proved or disproved. Many different personal attributes can impact road safety, including a person’s vision, ability to concentrate, reaction times and mobility. The car of the future should be designed to help people overcome these issues. Students will carry out some tests in the classroom to give a reflection of how safe they would be as a driver. Students will work in groups of around 3-4 to plan and carry out their tests. They will gather data and state what it shows. Graphs can be drawn if there is time. For homework, students can repeat their experiment at home with older members of their family. In the following lesson, ask students to share their results with the rest of the group and discuss as a class what their results show. Are reaction times quicker in older or younger people? Which age group is less likely to get distracted? Tools/resources required Class access to computers with internet connection and headphones Paper/pens Rulers Projector Whiteboard The engineering context Understanding basic safety concepts is essential for engineers in the automotive industry. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to plan an investigation, deciding what measurements to take and what equipment to use, they will be able to choose how to present results and they will be able to use data to inform design. All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

**This activity gets students to use their knowledge of electromagnetism in order to design and build a magnetic tool holder for a surgical robot. ** Students learn how simple scientific principles can be used in sophisticated applications, how electric circuits can be switched on and off, and the factors that can affect the strength of an electromagnet. Activity introduction Each group is a dedicated design team with a compelling mission – to craft a comprehensive outline design for a tool holder tailored to seamlessly integrate with a surgical robot’s arm. The task at hand: • Each surgical tool boasts a magnetic fitting, necessitating the utilisation of an electromagnet within the tool holder to ensure a secure grip. • A dynamic approach is required considering the diverse range of sizes and weights among these tools; This entails varying the electromagnet’s strength to account for this. Guided by these challenges, teams will brainstorm, innovate, and collaborate to present their inventive solutions in a concise one-minute presentation to the rest of the class and assessed according to the success criteria on the design brief. The engineering context Telemedicine employs contemporary communication technology to provide medical diagnoses and patient care, even when the physician and patient are geographically separate. Remote surgery entails utilising robotic systems within the operating room to aid surgeons during procedures. The surgeon observes the patient through a terminal and controls robotic surgical instruments using a specialised console. Suggested learning outcomes Upon completion of this activity, students will gain an understanding of the capabilities of surgical robots. They will grasp the transformation of basic scientific principles into intricate applications, comprehend the functioning of electric circuits’ activation and deactivation, and discern the variables impacting the strength of an electromagnet. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Students compete to make the strongest electromagnetic tool holder for a surgeons robotic arm. A practical activity where students work in teams to build their own electromagnet and use this to make an ‘arm’ with an electromagnetic gripper at one end. They are given some basic parts to start and a budget - a sum of ‘money’ or tokens with which to buy the other parts. Once their arm and gripper are complete they have 30 seconds to move as many paper clips from one pile to another as possible. The team moving the most paper clips in the allotted time is the winner. This activity makes students consider the factors involved in electromagnet strength and design. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

This is a practical exercise in which students will utilise their mathematical knowledge to solve problems and apply formulas. Specifically, they will compute the length of pipes necessary for an underfloor heating system. They will also write a brief explanation of how a sustainable underfloor heating system operates. This can be effectively taught within mathematics or within design and technology, as part of resistant materials or product design. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete Tools/resources required Green School film Projector/Whiteboard Measuring equipment e.g. tape measures or trundle wheels Squared paper The engineering context Sustainability is a key consideration in modern engineering practices. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, engineers must design solutions that not only meet the needs of society, but also minimise their impact on the planet. Sustainable engineering involves developing systems, products and processes that are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible. This can include reducing carbon emissions, optimising energy use, minimising waste, conserving natural resources, and designing products that can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to describe the operation of a sustainable underfloor heating system and they will be able to create and apply mathematical formulae in a practical context. Download the free Maths Behind a Heating System activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Investigate the salinity of different water samples Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this practical activity students investigate the salinity of three different water samples using a multimeter. Students first calibrate their salination probe and test the salinity of their solutions. Students can be asked to suggest how errors might have appeared in their results and what could be done to minimise or eliminate them. This activity can be used as an extension to the ‘Filtering water’ activity. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Write a set of rules for governing the behaviour of a robot swarm used in search and rescue operations The use of different types of signals is hugely important in all areas of healthcare. Signal processing engineers are involved in everything from extracting information from the body’s own electrical and chemical signals to using wireless signals to allow search-and-rescue robot swarms to communicate with each other. Together with related activities, this resource allows students to investigate the wide range of sophisticated imaging technology available in modern hospitals, and to explore the latest ideas in search-and-rescue robotics. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to work in small teams to create a set of simple rules which can be used to control a robot swarm designed to help in search-and-rescue-type scenarios such as earthquakes. The ‘Robot Swarms’ student brief sets the scene. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

Identifying which materials might offer the best prospects for a financial investment In this activity, students will investigate the properties of different types of smart materials and decide which ones might offer the best prospects for financial investment. The development of new materials with incredible properties is changing the way we live. From 4K TVs to super light airliners, these materials have quickly found their way into the modern technology around us. One area where modern materials have made a huge impact is in the development of prosthetic devices. Some of these devices are beginning to outperform ‘natural’ body parts. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (DT) and science. Activity: Identifying which materials might offer the best prospects for a financial investment Learners will investigate the properties of different categories of smart materials and decide which kinds of materials might offer the best prospects for a financial investment. Students work in teams and present their results to the rest of the class. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with Enterprise. This activity can be extended with a related practical session ‘Smart and modern materials’, where students identify a material from its particular properties. The engineering context Smart materials are often at the forefront of engineering and technological innovation with engineers using them to create products that are more durable, adaptable and more efficient to manufacture. From building structures that can withstand earthquakes to designing prosthetics that outperform human body parts, the applications of smart materials are vast (and continually expanding!). By learning about smart materials, students will get an insight into how these modern materials are made, used and how they can be applied to real world issues such as improving people’s lives. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson will teach students how to recall a variety of different examples of smart materials and describe how their properties react to changes in their environment. They’ll also be able to investigate smart materials on both a theoretical and practical level, understanding their applications as well as their investment potential. Download our activity sheet for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including film clips!), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Investigate the potential effects of mobile phones on our health The ‘Time for a game’ scheme of work provides an electronics systems context for students to explore infrared technologies. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity in which students will investigate the potential effects to health of the use of mobile phones and their transmitters, which use radio waves and microwaves to transmit information. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Design and make a solar powered night-light circuit In this engaging and practical STEM activity, designed for secondary school students, learners will investigate the photovoltaic effect by designing and making a solar power night-light circuit. The ‘Photovoltaic cells’ scheme of work involves investigating how photovoltaic cells are used and then using this technology to make a series of electronic circuits of increasing complexity. This could form the basis of a design and make activity in Design and Technology, with cross-curricular links with Science. This could be used as a short design and make project in Electronics or Product Design within Design and Technology. It could be extended into a longer project using the ‘Design Guide (handout)’ to provide a structure for the sequence of tasks to be carried out. Students should be divided into pairs or small teams. Their design brief is to design and manufacture a prototype solar powered night-light. The prototype should be powered by solar energy, produce no waste by-product with normal use, provide an appropriate illumination for a task (to be identified), illuminate automatically when the light level drops (below an identified level) and it should be manufactured from reused materials, where possible. Tools/resources required Access to appropriate CAD software for circuit modelling and development Modular electronics kits or prototype boards (breadboards), as appropriate Transistor sensor circuit help (handout) Design Guide (handout) A range of components to manufacture the circuits Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will have an understanding of how photovoltaic cells work, how they can be used and the impact of using photovoltaic cells in aesthetic, economic, and environmental issues. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Learn how photovoltaic cells work and investigate the photovoltaic effect In this engaging STEM activity, designed for secondary school students, learners will discover how photovoltaic cells work, how they differ from solar thermal cells, and they will investigate the photovoltaic effect. The ‘Photovoltaic cells’ scheme of work involves investigating how photovoltaic cells are used and then using this technology to make a series of electronic circuits of increasing complexity. This could form the basis of a design and make activity in Design and Technology, with cross-curricular links with Science. This is a short activity which involves investigating the photovoltaic effect. It could be used as a starter activity in Electronics or Product Design within Design and Technology, or to provide students with extended background information during the design and make project. It could also be used as a starter in Science. Students will be given the ‘What is a photovoltaic cell’ handout. They should consider the following questions: How do photovoltaic cells differ from solar thermal cells? What commonly available products use photovoltaic cells? What are the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic cells? What factors would affect the positioning of a photovoltaic cell? Tools/resources required Internet access Ideally, small operational models of solar thermal and photovoltaic cells that the students can handle Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to list the two types of solar panel and give examples of how they are used, and they will be able to explain how photovoltaic cells work. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Design a sporting outfit that is fit for purpose This unit focuses upon how materials have been specifically engineered in order to provide the requisite qualities and characteristics. It builds on the ‘science behind the material’ scheme of work, developing the students’ understanding of particle states and motion in relation to materials used in engineering/product design. It allows the students to explore a range of engineered and smart materials, identifying why they are ‘fit for purpose’ and how they have been engineered to achieve this purpose. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity where students will design an outfit that could be worn whilst participating in a sport. With a strong emphasis on developing creative thinking when generating ideas, this activity requires students to be creative when applying knowledge and understanding in science to a design and technology context. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Analyse an existing product and how this could affect the design of a new product In this activity students will learn about ergonomics and design by analysing a wireless product using ACCESS FM. Learners will identify strengths and weaknesses and consider how to improve the product. Learning about ergonomics is a fantastic introduction to engineering for children, allowing them to step into the world of designing and improving products in a practical way. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It can be effectively taught within design technology (DT) as part of the curriculum for systems and control, electronic products, or product design, or through science. In this lesson, students will work in teams to conduct a product analysis of a provided wireless product, such as a TV with a remote control or a remote control car. What does ergonomics mean in design technology (DT)? In design technology (DT), ergonomics refers to the process of designing products, systems or processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people who use them. It’s about ensuring that designs align with the capabilities and limitations of the user, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety. The engineering context Ergonomics & design is a crucial aspect of engineering that focuses on the interaction between humans and the products, systems, or environments they use. It aims to improve these interactions by making them more comfortable, efficient, and safe. Learning about ACCESS FM helps aspiring engineers understand the multifaceted nature of product design. It equips them with the knowledge to consider all the different factors that can impact a product’s success, from its cost and aesthetics to its environmental impact and safety. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and effective designs. Suggested learning outcomes The completion of this activity will enable students to explain how the analysis of existing products could affect the design of a new product. Students will gain a deep understanding of product design principles, the factors that influence design decisions, and how improvements can be made based on thorough product analysis. Download our activity sheets for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Identify which components can be used as electronic sensors The role of smart sensors in our everyday lives is becoming increasingly fundamental. The Smart Sensor Communications topic focuses on what smart sensors are, how they are being used today and how they can be innovative in the future. In this activity, the focus is on how sensors can be used to detect changes in the environment and can be used as part of a monitoring or control system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging starter activity introducing students to the devices that can be used as part of an electrical system to monitor changes, and showing them that the characteristics of a device can vary according to changes in the environment. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Consider ethical and moral issues around new technology This engaging activity allows students to consider the social, ethical and moral issues associated with the development of new technology. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with PSHE, PSE, PSD. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology (DT). Activity: Consider ethical and moral issues around new technology Students will be divided into groups and given a scenario: the creation of the world’s first entirely autonomous robot surgeon. Some groups, representing the engineers, scientists, and doctors who designed the robot, will argue for the continuation of the project. Other groups, representing patients’ groups and doctors’ unions, will argue against further development due to perceived risks. Using a newspaper article and worksheet as guides, students will formulate robust arguments for their assigned viewpoints. They’ll then pair up and debate the issue, striving to reach a mutually agreed way forward. The engineering context This activity demonstrates how engineers must grapple with not only the technical challenges of designing new technology but also its societal implications. It highlights the importance of considering varying viewpoints and ethical concerns when developing new technologies. Suggested learning outcomes Through this activity, students will gain a deep understanding of what remote surgery entails and the social, ethical, and moral implications of such technological advances. They’ll also learn to appreciate that different groups may have varying perspectives on scientific and technological progress. By engaging in structured debates, students will enhance their analytical skills, learn to articulate their viewpoints persuasively, and develop the ability to negotiate and compromise. Download our activity sheet for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including film clips!), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Argue for and against different technological products The ‘Who’s the winner’ scheme of work provides students with an opportunity to collect data which they can use as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sport activities. This activity provides a context for the scheme, by focusing on the wider issues relating to society and health. It helps set the scene for the ‘question of sport’ unit of activities by providing a ‘big picture’ in relation to the connection between society and health and the development of new technologies. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity which allows students to explore social, ethical, economic and health issues relating to the Nintendo Wii and present their findings in a persuasive, coherent and focussed argument. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Design an experiment to test advertisement claims on water filtration equipment Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals, which is then used for drinking or cooking, is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to design an experiment or experiments which will test the claims of companies producing various types of domestic water filtration equipment. It can take 60 - 90 minutes to complete depending on the number of adverts chosen from the ‘Product advertisements’ student handout, and if the related short film is shown as an introduction to the session. You can stream and download this film for free by clicking on the link in the related resources section below. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Explore a range of engineered and smart materials The Materials fit for purpose activity comprises a series of short, focused tasks with a strong emphasis on developing creative thinking. Students explore a range of smart materials to identify why they have been specifically designed and engineered to provide the requisite properties and characteristics for a given purpose. This activity requires students to be creative when applying knowledge and understanding in science to a design and technology context. This has a predominantly design and technology, and engineering focus, although the activities could be used in science, either as starters or extension activities. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation