Choosing materials for a new design It is essential that products used in our everyday lives are fit for purpose. To design a product which will be useful to the customer it is important to understand how different products function and why different materials and components are suitable for different applications. With this in mind, students will dismantle an engineering product to help them better understand its construction and function. They will then use this experience to create a test that will help in choosing which materials are fit for purpose when designing a new product. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in design and technology (DT). The lesson accompanies our Reverse engineering activity, which should ideally be completed before this lesson. Activity: Choosing materials for a new design In this activity students will be given a pair of headphones to dismantle (this must be done carefully, as the headphones will need reassembling afterwards!). Using our Product investigation booklet, students will conduct a product analysis to investigate its construction. They will be asked to create a test that will help manufactures determine if different materials are fit for purpose to aid choosing materials for new designs. The engineering context Engineers may choose to review older products, or competitor products, in order to help them choose materials for certain design or engineering projects. These materials may be the same as what has already been used in what they’ve examined, or the examination may lead them towards producing superior materials. Suggested learning outcomes At the end of this lesson students will be able to effectively dismantle and investigate an engineered product to determine how it was made along with its function/purpose. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources 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. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Develop a programmable information system for users of the London Underground The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. This could be used as a main lesson activity with ‘Transport displays designed for users’ as the starter. It is an ideal exercise for learners to develop programming skills, make use of programmable components and embed intelligence into a product design. In this engaging activity students will use the BBC micro:bit to create a prototype for a travel information system that could be used by passengers on the underground. The system must provide both service (how well the network is running) and timetable information when different buttons are pressed. When writing the program those who have not done programming before may benefit from writing, experimenting with and downloading the example program shown on the Teacher PowerPoint (also provided as a PDF handout). They can use this as a base for their own program. This is provided as JavaScript Blocks Editor Powered by Microsoft MakeCode (microbit-transport-jsb.hex) and Python Editor (transport.py) code. Teachers will need to decide which programming editor is the most suitable for their learners. Code Kingdom can also be used. This activity will take approximately 60-120 minutes depending on the ability and prior experience of learners. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard BBC micro:bit system and online programming software Internet (to access programming software) Suitable sensor inputs and sound outputs The engineering context Transport is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the 2014 programme of study for Design and Technology at KS3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will understand a block systems diagram of an information system, they will be able to successfully program the BBC micro:bit so that the system meets the design criteria and they will be able to understand and apply the use of a moving text on an LED display. 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

Investigate what information travellers on the London Underground need This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a programmable information system for users of the London Underground. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will investigate the needs of users of the London Underground, the information that they require and how programmable systems may help to provide solutions. 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

Design an information display system for disabled people The importance of smart sensors in our daily routines is growing significantly. 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. This engaging and thought-provoking activity introduces secondary school students to methods of looking at specific problems. To use the research and knowledge gained to find solutions to a problem, and to allow students to explore these solutions, however improbable they may seem. Students should design an information display system for use in their school which can be used by those with disabilities. For an example of a system diagram use the ‘Systems diagram’ handout. Students will communicate their solutions using annotated sketches. They should try and identify the Inputs and Outputs that are necessary. Furnish the students with both information sheets, and explain that any solution should be considered, no matter how crazy or improbable it seems. They will need to produce annotated sketches of a number of solutions – emphasise that these need to be clear so that others can understand. For each solution, a block diagram should be produced showing the Input-Process-Output for the design. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Woollen gloves Blindfolds Ear defenders Graphical equipment The engineering context Engineers play a crucial role in the development and implementation of smart sensors in various industries. Smart sensors are sensors that can process and analyse data, allowing them to make decisions without human intervention. Engineers are responsible for designing and integrating these sensors into systems, ensuring that they function correctly and provide accurate and reliable data. They also play a vital role in the development of innovative ways to use smart sensors to improve various processes, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and many others. With the increasing demand for smarter and more efficient systems, engineers will continue to play a critical role in the advancement of smart sensor technology. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to identify problems for a specific task, use various methods to research a problem and explore solutions. 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. 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

Get ready to apply mathematical skills to interpret data, analyse graphs, and uncover the secrets behind the success of motor racing teams. By the end of this activity, learners will gain a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its real-world applications while also developing your data analysis and graph interpretation abilities. The printable worksheet contains a GCSE maths lesson plan for secondary school teachers or parents. The presentation includes the relevant graph for this activity and corresponding questions designed for students’ engagement. Allow the students some time to read the task and consider the questions. You can give the students a paper copy of the graph. Students will need to interpret and read the graph to answer the questions. They must consider what the information displayed in the graph can tell them about the motor race. For the final task, students must find 107% of 1hr 20min. One approach would be to convert the time to minutes before finding 107%. Once students have worked out how long the car has left, they will need to use this information to calculate the distance remaining. Discussion points Encourage discussion about the answers to the bullet points. Compare the different assumptions they have made and their approaches, particularly with the final task. Extending the problem You could ask the students to make a commentary to accompany the graph or examine relevant GCSE questions. Consider using graphs that show more than one vehicle and introduce overtaking and other features. Potential GCSE content This activity will cover interpreting graphs and data, speed/distance/time and estimating. 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

Create design ideas for a display stand for your information system This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. The London Underground is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world. It is used for over 1.2 billion journeys a year. Passengers need up to date information when using it so that they can plan their journeys well. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a programmable information system for users of the London Underground. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will design and develop ideas for a stand for the transport information display. 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

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 an experiment to test how long it takes a vehicle to move down a slope In this series of activities, pupils will learn about nets and wheels and axles. They will combine these technologies to make the base and body for a vehicle made from card, finishing by evaluating the performance of the assembled vehicle. This activity evaluates the performance of the vehicle previously manufactured by the pupils. It involves recording the time taken by each vehicle to go down a slope. This can be converted into the speed of the vehicle. It could be used at Key Stage 1 or 2 to develop an understanding of the use of testing and numeracy skills. 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 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

Investigate and understand the technology that is required for remote surgery A session focused on Internet research and presentation skills. Students work in teams to investigate the technology that is required for remote surgery and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and ethical issues of such procedures. Students are given the example of a patient who, after suffering a series of heart attacks is about to undergo heart surgery in a hospital where a new pacemaker will be inserted using remote surgery. They are responsible for reassuring the patient ‘Luigi’ about the procedure and the aftercare. Download the free activity sheet! And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Making a device to measure wind speed In this science project, students will construct a Robinson Anemometer using common household materials. Once built, students can use it to measure wind speed either inside with domestic items or outside with the natural environment. This activity can serve as a stand-alone project or as a component of a broader unit on weather or measurement. It is intended for upper Key Stage 2 learners (years 5 and 6). This resource is part of a collection of free STEM resources created to aid in the teaching of the primary national curriculum, especially in the areas of science and design and technology. The purpose of this activity is to aid in teaching key concepts through the construction of a homemade anemometer. Parts and components required: Polystyrene balls, 25 - 40 mm diameter, 1 per anemometer Wood/bamboo skewers, 3 per anemometer Putty (such as Blutack or Whitetak) OR modelling clay (such as clay, Plasticine or Playdough). EITHER 6 paper cups OR 4 paper cups and a plastic water bottle with a sports cap Sticky tape Tools and equipment required: Fans, hair-dryers or other sources of moving air Stop watches Commercial anemometer (for extension activity) The Robinson Anemometer The Robinson Anemometer is a type of cup anemometer, an instrument used for measuring wind speed. It was invented by John Thomas Romney Robinson in 1846 and is named after him. The Robinson Anemometer consists of four hemispherical cups mounted at the end of horizontal arms, which are attached to a vertical shaft. As the cups rotate due to the force of the wind, the speed of the wind can be calculated based on the rate of rotation. The Robinson Anemometer is still widely used today and is considered one of the most accurate and reliable types of anemometers. The engineering context Engineers need to be able to measure the forces that will act on the things they need to design. They need to understand how these measurements are made so that they can be confident that their designs will meet the requirements in practical situations. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will have an understanding of what is meant by wind, they will be able to construct a simple mechanical device and they will be able to understand that the linear movement of air can be measured by the rotation of an anemometer. 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 to make a homemade single stringed musical instrument in this fun STEM activity for kids This fun STEM activity for kids will show you how to make a homemade musical instrument from card and can be done at home or at school! This is one of a set of free resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology. This resource focuses on the construction, investigation and testing of a single stringed instrument. In this activity learners will construct a card model of a single stringed instrument. They will test how it works, demonstrating how the tension of the string affects the pitch of the notes produced. This could be used as a one-off activity or as part of a wider unit of work focusing on how sound is produced and heard by the human ear. It could also be used to develop modelling and prototyping skills. Download our activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to construct your homemade instrument. As an optional extension students could evaluate the model they have built and suggest improvements that could be made to it. They could also make a manufactured prototype of a single stringed instrument using woods, metals and/or plastics. Alternatively, they could investigate and research the use of pivots and how these work in mechanical systems. This activity will take approximately 40 – 60 minutes. Tools/resources required Parts and materials: Pieces of card Hollow card boxes Paper fasteners Elastic bands Tools and equipment: Scissors Hole punches The engineering context Engineers need to be able to understand how sound is produced and heard by the human ear. This knowledge could be used when designing musical instruments or products that produce different sounds, such as games for children. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will have an understanding of how sound is produced from a stringed instrument. They will also have an understanding of how changing the tightness/tension of a string alters the pitch of the notes produced. Finally, they will be able to construct and test a model of a single stringed instrument. 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 https://education.theiet.org/primary/teaching-resources/make-a-homemade-musical-instrument/

Throughout this engaging activity designed for GCSE students, learners will face intriguing challenges that revolve around wind turbines, where their problem-solving skills will be tested using equations and systematic listing techniques. By applying mathematical principles and systematic approaches, learners will uncover the secrets behind these sustainable energy marvels and gain a deeper appreciation for their significance in today’s world. It is recommended to utilise a table format for displaying the values learners substitute into the equation, along with the corresponding outcomes, indicating whether they are too large or too small. Problem Solving Students will likely employ trial and improvement or a graphical method to tackle the first question. Some may also opt to utilise a spreadsheet for their calculations. To ensure the accuracy of their solutions up to two decimal places, they are encouraged to consider using a number line, which can aid in the verification process. As for the final problem, students will need to adopt a systematic listing approach or explore other methodologies to ensure that every possible combination of gears has been thoroughly explored and tested. This activity aims to empower students to approach challenges creatively and thoughtfully by providing various problem-solving techniques and strategies. This process will sharpen their mathematical abilities and cultivate critical thinking skills, enabling them to tackle complex problems with confidence and precision. Discussion points Promote active discussion among the students regarding the diverse approaches they have employed and how they can ensure the accuracy of their answers up to two decimal places. If students have not chosen the graphical approach to solve the problem, consider demonstrating it to the class. Encourage a comparative analysis of the various methods used to address the subsequent problems and enquire about the students’ strategies to ensure they have explored all potential combinations of gears. Potential GCSE content This activity will cover using trial and improvement to solve an equation, calculations with fractions, ratios and systematic listing. 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

Secondary classroom poster where your students can find out about the equations and formulae needed for engineering. Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Investigate light and reflection by making a periscope. In this fun activity for kids, students will learn about the reflection of light in a mirror and make and use a periscope. Learners will have an opportunity to practice making a periscope from a card net. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce light and build on experiences to explain how light travels. Alternatively, it could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on understanding the use of nets in maths. Activity: How to make a periscope This activity is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science, design and technology and maths. This resource explores what happens when light reflects off a mirror or other reflective surface. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own Pixie Periscope! The best results are obtained using small plastic mirrors (for example, cut from silver acrylic mirror sheets or extracted from toy compacts). If aluminium foil is used, care must be taken to ensure that this is very flat and the shiny side is used for the reflection; however, the observed image’s quality is likely still significantly reduced. Resources required Small plastic mirrors (best method) - if not available use aluminium foil (note: reflection is reduced) Scissors Card Glue sticks, sticky tape Double-sided sticky tape Rulers The engineering context Engineers need to understand how light travels and is reflected off surfaces; This is vital when engineers design rear-view mirrors for cars, periscopes for submarines and giant telescopes to look at the stars. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what happens when light is reflected off a mirror, and they will be able to make a periscope from a net. Download the free How to make a periscope 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.

Learn how to make the base of a moving vehicle from card Build a car with axles that moves! Budding inventors engineer the base and body for a model car made from card with wheels and axles. This is a fun practical activity for participants to make a simple 3D shape from a 2D net. The KS1 DT activity then introduces axles and wheels to enable the car to move. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, pupils will make the base of a moving vehicle to understand how cars are designed and how axles work to allow cars to move. Download the free resources! 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. Tools/resources required Copies of the car base handout, printed on card, 1 per pupil (plus spares) Axles, 2 per pupil – for example, wooden skewers Plastic tubing – this can be short sections cut from drinking straws Wheels, 4 per pupil Scissors Glue sticks Optional: Sticky tape or double-sided sticky tape Hole punches (ideally single hole punches) Coloured pencils Pre-made model of the base, for demonstration (this could be made large size, for example by printing out on A3 card) Download the activity sheets for free! 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 And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

This engaging activity is one of a series of accessible STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, and Engineering. Learners will gain valuable insights into what constitutes a sturdy structure and how to ensure it possesses strength and visual appeal. Applying their newfound knowledge, they will craft their unique ornament, putting their skills to the test. This activity can serve as a central lesson in teaching the construction of robust structures using relatively weaker materials. It can also seamlessly integrate into a comprehensive learning scheme emphasising practical making and assembly skills within design and technology. Educators seeking to enhance their teaching resources can use this activity alongside the IET Education resource: Christmas Mobile. Tools/resources required 5 sticks of the same length 5 rubber bands String or twine for the hanging loops The engineering context Structural engineers must understand how to utilise weaker materials to create more robust structures, such as using rope to make bridges. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how to construct a strong structure from weaker materials, and they will be able to make a strong and visually attractive ornament that they can hang from a Christmas tree. Download the Homemade Christmas decoration 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. Oh ho ho, please share your creations with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM. The History of Christmas tree ornaments The history of Christmas tree ornaments is a fascinating tale that dates back centuries. Historians trace the tradition of decorating trees during the holiday season to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Vikings, who adorned trees with symbols of prosperity and religious significance. However, the modern concept of hanging ornaments on Christmas trees emerged in Germany during the 16th century. Initially, these ornaments were simple decorations made from fruits, nuts, and candles. Over time, the ornaments evolved, incorporating glass-blown baubles, delicate figurines, and intricate designs. Today, Christmas tree ornaments are cherished keepsakes, reflecting cultural traditions and personal memories and symbolising festive cheer and celebration.

Developing an understanding of the terms ‘system’, ‘input’, ‘process’, ‘output’ and ‘signal’ This activity aims to develop students’ understanding of key terms such as ‘system’, ‘input’, ‘process’, ‘output’, and ‘signal’, fostering critical thinking and independent investigation skills. Our ‘Time for a Game’ scheme of work offers an engaging electronics context, allowing students to delve into infrared technologies as seen in popular devices like the Nintendo Wii. This lesson plan helps leaners understand the core components that make up the devices they use every day. By learning about systems, inputs, processes, outputs, and signals, they will begin to see the world around them in a new light. 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 maths, science and design and technology (DT). Activity: Developing an understanding of the terms ‘system’, ‘input’, ‘process’, ‘output’ and ‘signal’ In this activity, students will work in pairs to define key terms and identify these features in common products using the ‘Inputs and Outputs of Design’ presentation. They will explore the concept of a system as a collection of parts designed to carry out a function, and learn how inputs activate the system, while outputs are activated by the process. They will also delve into the role of signals in transmitting information between different system blocks. To reinforce this learning, the Wii film will provide a practical example of these concepts at work. The engineering context This lesson plan provides an engaging introduction to engineering principles, as students learn about the components that make up the systems around them. Understanding the inputs, processes, outputs, and signals of a system is foundational to engineering and design. This activity will inspire students to consider a career in engineering, as they gain insights into the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving involved in designing and understanding complex systems. Suggested learning outcomes Upon completion of this activity, students will have a clear understanding of the difference between input, process, and output in a system and be able to define these terms. They’ll be able to identify these features in common products, enhancing their understanding of the devices and technologies they interact with daily. 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

Secondary classroom poster where your students can learn about the core maths principles and equations essential in design. Download the single poster or order a full poster set for free from the IET Education website.

Design a new uniform for Santa’s elves while learning about maths combinations In this engaging Christmas elf activity, students will use multiplication to determine the possible wearing combinations with a set number of clothing items. Children will have a lot of fun selecting outfits for their elves to wear and fostering their creativity and mathematics skills. It allows pupils to take a practical approach to applying multiplication. This activity is one of a series of accessible STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the Primary National Curriculum. These resources support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. A version of this resource without a Christmas theme is available from the IET Primary website titled Fantastic Fashion. Tools/resources required Coloured crayons/pencils Sticky tack, double sided sticky tape, glue sticks Safety scissors Thin card for printing the Dress-the-Elf activity sheet. The engineering context Understanding combinations is vital to how engineers work out how to make things at the best cost. A bicycle has many parts, so an engineer will work out the best combination of parts to keep the production costs down. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to write and calculate statements for multiplication, they will be able to solve a contextual problem using multiplication, and they will understand how to determine the number of wearing combinations possible using a dress-the-Elf activity. The History of Christmas Elves We can trace the history of Christmas elves to European folklore and traditions. In Scandinavian countries, elves known as “nisse” or “tomte” were believed to be small, mischievous creatures who lived on farms and brought good luck to the household. Over time, these elves became associated with the Christmas season and took on a more benevolent role as helpers of Santa Claus. The popular image of Christmas elves as cheerful, industrious beings with pointy hats and pointed ears emerged in the 19th century, thanks to stories and illustrations. Today, Christmas elves are synonymous with Santa’s workshop, assisting in toy-making and spreading holiday cheer. 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! #SantaLovesSTEM.

A simple and fun science experiment about insulation, to see how blubber keeps penguins, whales, polar bears and seals warm in the North Pole. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the festive period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, Science, Mathematics and Engineering. In this activity, students will construct a straightforward model of a polar animal and use this to investigate how they keep themselves warm. They will understand how well a layer of blubber can insulate an animal and how the heat loss is reduced against an uninsulated animal. This is a versatile activity that could serve as a main lesson activity to teach about insulation and heat transfer. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning, focusing on how animals react to the world around them. This activity could be carried out in pairs or small groups. The teacher presentation covers the main activity on slides 1 to 11, and the subsequent slides are extension work and links. Resources required An empty margarine tub A full margarine tub A large flat dish Warm water Cold water with ice A thermometer A stopwatch or smart watch timer Graph paper Pencils and differently coloured pencil crayons The engineering context Engineers must be able to investigate the natural world to understand how it works. This allows them to design solutions that benefit and learn from the environment, such as suits for divers that can keep them warm. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand how polar animals keep warm in very cold conditions, they will be able to understand what blubber is and how it helps polar animals to survive, and they will be able to record experiment data using tables and graphs. Download the How polar animals keep warm 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. Oh ho ho please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.