Making a podcast for a sporting event at school Sports podcasts are the best place for post-match analysis, sharing opinions and interviews. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the sporting event and provide some new insights. In this fun STEM activity, students will be able to create their own podcast for a sporting event. This activity introduces the concept of writing to a plan, creating a list of topics and considering how we present ourselves. The main activity involves making a running order and script for a podcast and then recording it. It could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of media or to teach learners about how the podcasts they listen to are created. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

In this fun activity, students will be designing and making a pewter cast medal for a sporting event, such as the Olympics or Football World Cup. We introduce the concept of CAD design, pewter casting and how this can be used to create something for a major event. Metal casting is a manufacturing process that involves pouring molten metal into a mould to create a 3D metal part. The mould contains a hollow cavity of a desired geometrical shape, and the molten metal is allowed to cool down to form a solidified part. The term ‘casting’ also refers to the part made by the casting process, which dates back 6000 years. Students will look at designing the medal, casting the pewter and fettling, and finish the medal. Download the activity sheets for free! And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org

Learn how to graphically represent a range of fitness levels This engineering activity provides students with the opportunity to collect and present data and think about different presentation techniques. The data collected will be used as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sports activities. Do computer “anytime fitness” games really have the same benefits as more traditional fitness activities? Through this activity, students will be able to use their data to start answering this question. This free resource is aimed at secondary school students. It was designed as a mathematics activity and should be preceded by the ‘Wii Fitness?’ activity. Activity introduction In this engaging STEM task students will use the data gathered during an investigation to contextualise frequency curves. The ‘Can using a Games Console Make You Fitter?’ worksheet used in the corresponding ‘Wii Fitness?’ activity generates cumulative data on pulse rates and levels of fitness. Actual collection of data could easily be carried out a Mathematics teacher – no specialist equipment is required. These can be prepared in advance based on datasets prepared by the teacher or teachers could use data from different classes, year groups or gender groups to allow a comparison. Working in groups of 4-6, students should be given this data. Each team should decide how to group this data and then draw a cumulative frequency graph. From this, they should identify the median and quartiles and use this information to draw a box plot. This activity will take approximately 30 minutes. What you will need Projector Whiteboard The engineering context 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. The investigation highlights how difficult it is to control all variables and therefore carry out a fair test. The students’ evaluation of the investigation will allow them the chance to question the validity of the data, question the size of the Data set used and question the time span data needs to be collected over before it can be used to confirm a claim. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity learners will be able to plot cumulative frequency diagrams. 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. 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

In this fun STEM activity for secondary school students, learners are challenged to design and create a prototype Smart Beacon which will be used to communicate information to cyclists. When used, together with other Beacons, along a route, cyclists will be able to identify a safe cycling route which they can use. The Beacon must contain electronic components to allow it to communicate information to cyclists. This may be done by reacting to external conditions e.g., light or temperature and then sending a signal to the cyclists who pass it on their route. The aim of this challenge is to introduce students to technology which engineers use and will be using in the future. This challenge will work best if you have access to 3D printers at your school or a local venue. The use of 3D printers can be substituted for making prototypes out of cardboard, as many conceptual designs are created by engineers. However, running this challenge could be a great opportunity to make links with a local university, college or industry. Designed for six teams of six students (36 students in total) aged 12 – 13 years (year 8, and equivalent), this fun challenge encourages the development of students’ problem solving, team working and communication skills. This activity can be tailored to the needs of your school and your students by adapting the PowerPoint presentation and the editable student booklet. What’s included? The complete set of downloadable materials includes: Teachers pack A list of the practical materials needed, presenters’ notes highlighting key areas and reinforcing key themes throughout the day, some handy hints on how to deliver the day . . . plus printable Faradays currency and student certificates. Student booklet Available an editable MSWord document to allow the booklet to be adapted to meets the needs of your students and your school. Introductory PowerPoint presentation A step-by-step guide for your students throughout the day, with supporting notes for the delivery of the presentation. Film clips and sound effects The engineering context More and more people are taking to cycling for competition, personal transport and leisure. The benefits of cycling are obvious; it is enjoyable, cost effective, improves fitness and is a sustainable way to travel. IET Faraday® DIY Challenge Day We have provided a set of printable resources and guidelines notes giving teachers and technicians the basic ingredients to run their very own Faraday Challenge Day. This cross-curricular activity day brings science, design and technology, engineering and maths (STEM) together in an engaging way. Download all documents for free! All online resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and the student booklet and PowerPoint presentation are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

With our history of design KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a pinhole camera based on early Victorian photography technology. In this classroom project learners will learn about early camera obscuras developed during the Victorian era. They will then make their own pinhole camera from a small shoebox, based on this early technology. Finally, they will test their camera and observe how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian-themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era Learners will discuss the origins of cameras and photography in Britain and the United Kingdom including the fact that in Victorian times many women took up taking photos as a hobby. Learns will then make their own pinhole camera and test it by going into a dark room, turning on a lamp and pointing the camera towards it. Tools/supplies needed: Cardboard box or shoebox Wax paper Parcel tape Craft knife Scissors Pin to make the pinhole Pencil and ruler Follow our step-by-step guide to make a pinhole camera The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology, Maths and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will know what is meant by the Victorian era and the dates it covered, be able to make and test a pinhole camera and be able to explain how the pinhole camera works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this fun STEM activity, learners will make an erupting volcano science experiment using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about chemical reactions, which are processes that change one or more substances into different substances. This science experiment can also explain foams, which are liquids or solids containing gas bubbles. Activity: Erupting volcano experiment This activity is one of a set of free STEM resources designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology, Science, and Mathematics (STEM). This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves making a model of an erupting volcano using baking soda and vinegar. When sodium bicarbonate and vinegar are mixed, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what causes the foaming mixture and the eventual dissolution of the solid. The new liquid solution that is produced is relatively safe, but it is important to avoid getting it in your eyes or on your clothes. Safety glasses should be worn if required by the school’s risk assessment. The lava produced can be disposed of by washing it down the sink with plenty of water. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 40-65 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Those completing the activity at home can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on making an erupting volcano at home. The engineering context Engineers use chemical reactions to solve a variety of problems. For example, rocket engineers mix fuel and oxidiser to create a reaction that produces thrust, propelling the rocket into space. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to make an erupting volcano using bicarbonate and vinegar, and they will understand that a reaction is when one or more substances are changed to a different substance. Download the free activity sheet 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

Structured class debate on the location of a new wind farm There is much debate about the issues created by carbon emissions and how renewable energy sources can help resolve these challenges. Most people agree that renewable energy is a good thing, but many oppose to having wind turbines built near their neighbourhood. In this role-play activity, participants take on different roles to debate a proposed wind farm. In pairs, students discuss whether their character would be in favour of the proposed wind farm and prepare a two-minute talk to share their case with the group. Afterwards, divide the larger groups into ‘for’ and ‘against’ and bring together all the individual statements to form a strong, coherent case. Four people are chosen to give two reasons to support their argument. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity has been written with a strong science bias. However, it can easily be taught in design and technology with either a systems and control approach or from a ‘sustainability’ angle, looking at the topic of wind farms and the future of energy production. The ‘sustainability’ perspective will provide an activity that could involve design and technology, geography and citizenship. 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 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.

With our science and design and technology KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will perform an experiment to learn how filament light bulbs and basic electricity works. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by looking at the key events that defined the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering developments and society today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked during this time. They will learn about how Thomas Edison invented the first practical light bulb before building a simple light bulb circuit to investigate how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the influence of historical events on engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Learn about how filament light bulbs and basic electricity works Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will learn about Thomas Edison’s light bulb and then build a bulb circuit and prove that it works. Tools/supplies needed: AA battery and holder 1.5 V lamp and holder Red crocodile clip Black crocodile clip Pens and pencils Lined paper The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will be able to make a simple light bulb circuit and understand how a simple light bulb circuit works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

With our history of design and technology and engineering KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners produce a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by looking at the key events that defined the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering developments and society today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked during this time. They will then produce a timeline of key events that occurred from when Queen Victoria was born to when she died. For example, the opening of the London Underground and the development of the first national police force. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the influence of historical events on engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within history of design, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Producing a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go onto producing a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era, adding pictures to make the timeline more engaging to look at. Tools/supplies needed: Pens and pencils Ruler The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will be able to produce a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era and understand how the Victorian era shaped engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

In this fun activity for KS2, students will make balloon race cars from plastic construction blocks, such as LEGO®. Using balloons to power their vehicles, they will measure their speed over a set distance. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity to introduce students to the forces that cause movement or pneumatics. Activity: Build a LEGO balloon race car This resource is part of a set designed to help learners develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics (STEM) using summer themes. This resource can be used in school or at home and involves building balloon-powered cars from plastic construction blocks. When making their balloon race car, students can be encouraged to use as many wheels as they want (3, 4, 6, or 8 have all been used effectively). They can also add any additional features they want for creativity, but keep in mind that these may slow the vehicle down. This activity could be carried out individually; however, the speed measurement should ideally be carried out in pairs or small groups. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 40-60 minutes to complete. The engineering context Space rockets and jet engines use the force of gas expelled from the vehicle to move it. This is called thrust. The faster the gas is expelled, the greater the thrust, and the faster the vehicle will move. Calculating the speed is important for almost all powered vehicles, from family cars to Formula 1 racers to space rockets. The speed of a vehicle determines how much thrust is required to move it and how long it will take to reach its destination. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to build a moving car using plastic construction blocks, they will be able to accurately measure the time taken by an activity, and they will have learned a simple way to calculate speed. Download the free activity sheet 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

In this hands-on design and technology project for KS3, students will unleash their creativity and artistic flair as they tie-dye picnic blankets. Through the fascinating art of tie-dyeing, they will explore colour combinations, patterns, and techniques, making their picnic blankets functional and uniquely stylish. Activity: Make a tie dye picnic blanket This activity is part of a series of free STEM resources created to enable students to enhance their understanding and proficiency in Design and Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics, all while incorporating summer-related themes. This particular resource is perfect for the summer season and can be undertaken within a school setting or from the comfort of one’s home. Learners will produce samples for a picnic blanket using different tie-dyeing techniques to add visual interest. They will then produce a full-sized version using their favourite technique or design. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners about dyeing techniques within textiles or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering manufacturing processes and finishing techniques. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take approximately 70-100 minutes to complete. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to tie-dye a blanket that can be used during summer picnics! What materials will you need? Squeezy bottles; Fabric dye; Elastic bands/string; Plastic gloves; washing up bowl; Salt, if required. The engineering context Our clothing comes in a diverse array of colours to avoid monotony. Engineers and designers employ various finishing techniques on a wide range of materials, including textiles. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what is meant by tie-dyeing and its applications, they will be able to produce samples for picnic blankets using different tie-dyeing techniques, and they will be able to produce a full-size picnic blanket using tie-dyeing. Download the free activity sheet below! 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

In this engaging design and technology project for KS2, students will build a model of the Leonardo da Vinci bridge where the parts are not joined together… This activity will teach learners about the use of simple construction techniques as they assemble a working, load-bearing bridge. The bridge can then be tested to destruction, which can help learners understand the forces that act on bridges and how to design them to be strong and stable. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning about structures and Design for Living. It can be adapted to different age groups and abilities and can be used to teach a variety of concepts, such as forces, structures, and materials. Activity: How to make a Leonardo da Vinci bridge This resource is part of a set designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology and Engineering. This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves building a load-bearing bridge structure made up of simple members without any joining methods. This activity is aimed at the high end of Key Stage 2 and should be carried out in pairs or small groups, as a minimum of two pairs of hands are needed, along with some dexterity. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 60-90 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Parents can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on how to help their children build a Leonardo Da Vinci bridge at home. The engineering context Using scale models is a development tool used in many areas of Engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how forces can act on parts of a structure to make it stand without extra support or joining methods, and they will look at the engineering work of Leonardo da Vinci. Download the free activity sheet below! 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

Explore the properties of solids, liquids and gases In this unit, students will develop their understanding of the properties of the three states of matter. They will have the opportunity to experiment with a range of different substances that do not fit neatly into the traditional states of matter model. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity where students will explore materials to develop an understanding of why they behave the way they do. 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

Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by investigating the key inventions made during the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked. They will then discuss how technology and engineering moved forward during the Victorian era, before researching at least one engineering invention made during that time. They will then present their findings to the class. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the impact of Victorian inventions on modern engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Using the internet to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era. Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go on to use the internet to research one engineering invention that was made during the Victorian era and produce a short presentation about it which they should make to the class. Tools/supplies needed: Computers with internet and presentation software Whiteboard projector or interactive whiteboard The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, Literacy and Computing/ICT with the aim that the learners will be able to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era and understand the impact of Victorian inventions on engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Primary classroom poster giving a closer look at exploded views and how you can draw them for yourself. Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free form the IET Education website.

Develop an understanding of levers and build a popsicle stick catapult from craft sticks with this free STEM lesson plan. This is an exciting and engaging way to learn about physics and engineering. With the right materials, build a simple yet effective catapult capable of launching chocolate eggs up into the air! This lesson plan is perfect for KS3 students and can be used as a fun one-off main activity to introduce levers. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource involves making a simple catapult which works as a lever to propel a chocolate or mini egg. This activity will take approximately 50 – 70 minutes to complete. Also included is a fun crossword using words from the activity to promote sticking learning. Tools/resources required Craft sticks (at least 7 per learner) Small elastic bands (at least 7 per learner, plus spares) A teaspoon (metal or plastic) Chocolate mini eggs (or similar) For the extension activity: Pencils (or similar, such as dowel rods) Elastic bands The engineering context Levers are one of the simplest machines and are used in many applications. These include pliers, scissors, brake pedals and wheels and axles. The principles of levers are also used in many applications when designing sports equipment, such as cricket bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks. Suggested learning outcomes After completing this Easter themed engineering resource students will be able to describe the three classes of lever and they will be able to make a structure. Download the free Build a popsicle stick catapult 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

How fast does sound travel? What is sound velocity? Find out about transverse and longitudinal waves in our free, downloadable KS4 maths worksheet. From founding communications, such as the fire beacon, to being able to communicate with space, there is no denying that developments in communication have advanced at a rapid speed. This topic presents students with communications of the past, present and future, helping them to understand the principles that form the basis for these developments. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This engaging activity allows students to investigate the velocity of sound. Two methods, a direct method and an ICT based method, are proposed. 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

Analyse data to find the best material for a prosthetic foot The development of new materials is having a huge impact on all of our lives. This engineering activity for kids encourages students to look at a variety of materials and find out which would be the best for ankle and foot prosthetics. Different materials will perform in a variety of different ways, and it is through the analysis of the materials that students will be able to work out which would be the best for a prosthetic foot. This fun STEM activity is designed as a main lesson exercise for secondary school students. Learners will carry out some data manipulation to find the best material from which to make a prosthetic foot. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with Mathematics. The class will be split into teams. Students will work as teams of engineering materials consultants and have to find the best material from which to make a prosthetic foot. Using the related handouts, which can be found below, students will plot graphs of stress against strain for seven different materials and calculate the gradient in order to find the stiffness for each material. Based on this information, students should select which of the seven materials is the most suitable for the construction of the foot. Students will present their recommendations to the rest of the class and the other teams will comment on their recommendations. What you will need: Graph paper Pen/pencil The engineering context The development of new materials with incredible properties is changing the way we live. From LCD TVs to super light airliners, these materials have quickly found their way into pretty much all of 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. The resources within this, and the related activities, encourage students to investigate the properties of smart materials and carry out some data manipulation. Students will also explore the possible moral and ethical issues associated with people potentially choosing to replace healthy body parts with artificial prostheses because they offer higher performance. By the end of this activity students will be able to make the link between material properties and material usage. They will be able to understand how smart materials are used in a real life context and they will be able to use and manipulate material-related data.

In this engaging maths activity, students will embark on a journey of discovery and creativity as they explore the mesmerising art of tessellation. This activity is designed for KS3 students and involves formulating a rule that can be used to create tessellation patterns. It will help students develop an understanding of the tessellation that will be required to design interlocking units. This lesson plan could be taught in maths or as part of graphics within design and technology. This activity promises an exciting blend of hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and geometry, fostering a deeper appreciation for the captivating world of tessellations. What is tessellation? Tessellation is a geometric concept in mathematics and art that involves covering a surface with repeated, non-overlapping shapes. These shapes, called tiles or polygons, fit together seamlessly, creating a pattern extending infinitely across a surface. Tessellations can be found in various forms in nature, art, and architecture. The most famous example of a tessellating shape is the regular hexagon, which can fit together perfectly to cover a plane without leaving any gaps or overlaps. Other common tessellating shapes include squares, triangles, and other regular polygons. The engineering context The ‘Engineering Process’ scheme of work gives students an in-depth understanding of some engineering materials and how they are being developed in industry. This scheme was inspired by the casting process used to make the D3O smart material into a ‘usable’ form; this links to industrial practices such as quality control, standardisation, and casting manufacture. It is designed to challenge the students by requiring them to apply their knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience. 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

Integrate a heart monitor into an item of clothing This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. There are many reasons to monitor heart rate. For example: There are 2.7 million people in the UK currently suffering from heart problems. The quicker these problems can be found and treated the better the chance of a full recovery. Athletes measure their heart rate during training to ensure that they are training in their optimum physical range. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a personal heart monitoring system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will design a fully integrated product. They will investigate and apply methods of attaching their device to a piece of clothing. 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