I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Specific Heat Capacity' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
A choice of two starters, one ask pupils to put a series of fluids in order of which would boil first from the same heat source another poses questions on different volumes of water and boiling and placing hot objects above boiling temperature in water.
A focus on words to inform what specific heat capacity means to help understand the equation and units is given to explain what it meant by specific heat capacity. Questions included for practice of using equation for exam to secure marks in exam. A link to video is provided with prepared questions for pupils to answer.
Specific heat capacity is further detailed with illustrations and comparisons of different substances.
The AQA required practical 1 is provided as part of the lesson (all be it a tricky practical due to likely limited resources for the class), different methodologies are provided (many link to different methods are also in the note box).
A set of review questions and mini-plenary questions conclude the lesson along with an example exam question.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State the relationship between energy, mass and temperature.
2) Explain how different materials affect the amount of energy required in temperature change.
3) Calculate the energy required to change an objects temperature.
4) Re-arrange the required equation appropriately.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Planet, satellites and orbits’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what keeps objects in orbit.
Identify the direction of force on an orbiting object.
Explain how the velocity of a body changes as the body moves around its orbit.
Explain how an object stays in orbit
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Forces and Braking written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions are provided with answer within the Power Point.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve. Stopping distances is explored by looking at different size vehicles going at the same velocity and then braking. Stopping distance is also reviewed against different velocities.
Thinking distance and braking distance are highlighted and discussed with a class activity exploring the effects of different factors on thinking distance with higher or lower activity. A class activity is also provided to investigate pupils reaction time to relate to thinking distance.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking. This leads to an exploration of the physics of braking in terms of changes to energy stores and then also how to calculate braking force.
Summary questions are provided on this topic to finish the lesson.
Plenary poses the starting question again in light of new information pupils will now have.
Lesson Objectives:
- Evaluate different vehicle speeds for stopping distances
- Explain what happens during braking of a vehicle.
- Identify and explain what can effect the stopping distance of a vehicle.
- Investigate how a drivers reaction time effect stopping distance.
- Calculate the braking force of a required for moving vehicles.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Cable and Plugs' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
For starter different plugs from the around the world can be put in bags to be passed around or a dismantled plug. Pupils are to guess what is in the bag. Following this pupils are to discuss why there are different types of plugs around the world which lead to discussion of the AC/DC war between Edison and Tesla (this part of the lesson can be easily removed if not suitable for the class).
The anatomy of a plug is shown and explained in detail for all 3 wires, colours and function. Safe wiring of a plug is reviewed which leads to a class activity to wire plugs safely. Plug design is reviewed through questioning required properties of different plug parts and appropriate materials to each property required.
How electrical devices can become live or how people can get electric shocks is reviewed and illustrated.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review AC/DC current and how it caused us to have different plugs.
2) Recall the different colour wires in a plug.
3) Relate different wires to their function.
4) Identify and explain the safety features of a plug.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Terminal Velocity' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain what air resistance is and how it increases.
2) Explain how unbalanced forces cause changes in an objects motion.
3) Detail why an object will reach a maximum velocity.
4) Use a v-t graph to analyse the motion of a Skydiver.
More content to be added to lesson shortly and new worksheets.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Melting and Boiling points of substances (changes in states)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification
Lesson Outline:
Starter uses 5 quick question to recap some prior content question some key concepts for the lesson. Pure substances are discussed using a visual game to recognise if a pure substance is being shown or not - leading to a key definition.
Melting and boiling points are then highlighted and linked back to the previous changes of states illustration. Impurities in substances are then discussed to show the importance of pure substances in melting and boiling points.
An experiment to acquire data on melting and boiling points of water is outlined which lead to plotting a change of state graph.
An ideal change of state diagram then allows the teacher to discuss with the class trends and key points along the graph.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify pure substances and mixtures.
- Explain what is meant by melting point and boiling point of a substance.-
- Compare and contrast boiling and evaporation.
- Detail changes in state of substance using a graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Properties of Waves (transverse and longitudinal) ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
State what a wave is and does.
Identify the two types of waves and give examples.
Explain wave characteristics.
Calculate waves speed, frequency and wave length.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Changes in energy stores' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lessons starts with a 'true or false' activity to review students understanding and misconceptions on the topic.
The importance of energy in physics is highlighted in brief to show relevance of the topic.
Forms of energy are reviewed as this is likely the manner in which many students have learnt the basics of the topic at KS3.
KS3 knowledge is then put in context to the way in which energy is considered at AQA GCSE level.
Energy stores and energy transfers are reviewed for students leading to energy flow diagrams.
Following examples of how to detail changes in energy stores the students have review questions to answer and this is followed by an energy circus activity.
The lesson finished with exam style questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall different forms of energy.
2) Identify different energy stores
3) Explain how energy can be transferred between energy stores.
4) Detail how the energy stores change for various different processes.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Centre of Mass' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter simply looks at balancing object on one finger and how intuitively we can know how to do this. Then stability of different shapes is reviewed and again highlighted how we can assess whether something will be stable or not. The physics of this is then applied in terms of centre of mass. The technique to find the centre of mass for a symmetrical shape is detailed and practices with questions.
Suspended equilibrium and centre of mass is shown using a hanging bird cage and can also be demonstrated in class with a simple mass and string. Then an experiment is outlined to find the centre of mass of irregular shapes.
Centre of mass it then related to real life contexts for practice exam questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what is meant by centre of mass.
- Find the centre of mass for a simple symmetrical object and explain this position.
- Find the centre of mass of an irregular shaped object.
- Apply the principle of centre of mass to real-life problems.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy Demands & Resources (Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power & Biofuels)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter uses a series of riddles for pupils to identify different energy resources to do with the lesson. The importance of fire is discussed for humans (this could also be linked with chemistry content on combustion, showing science links). Energy demands of the world are discussed and summarised to highlight what we need energy for and where it comes from in what proportions.
An Activity sheet included to identify key part of a fossil fuelled power station (although not necessarily required by AQA anymore).
Fossil fuels are covered in details and discussed the future issues with its usage, leading to Nuclear. Following description of Nuclear (with advantages and disadvantages) with an examiner tip in the note box - fossil fuels and nuclear power are contrasted.
Bio-fuels are reviewed as an alternative resources of energy and discussed a renewable and carbon neutral source.
Lesson concludes with a set of review questions on the topic which could also be used as a homework task.
Extra riddle question at the end.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify different ways of meeting our energy demands.
2) Explain how each major component of a fossil fuelled power station works..
3) Explain in further detail different methods meeting energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare the use fossil fuels, nuclear power and bio-fuels.
AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Potential Difference & Resistance.
Starter begins with simple discuss and demo of how to make a ball move without touching it which leads to a discussion of gravitational potential and so can be related to electrical potential, potential difference.
A class activity to make a pupil circuit is detailed along with guidance on set-up and questioning throughout. This can be greater used later as AfL and to help with series and parallel circuits.
The main uses the ohm's law investigation to get pupils to investigate the relationship between current and voltage which leads to ohm's law and the equation. Questions included to conclude lesson.
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Potential Difference and Resistance lesson' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.
Complete AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Electric Charges and Fields.
Starter begins with discussion of a popular lightning myth/misconception which will be revisited at the end of the lesson. The structure of the atom is reviewed leading to how atoms can gain a charge and therefore how objects can become charged. The main consists of two simple experiments for pupils to do using safe and simple equipment to explore statics. Students also explore electric fields which exist around charge objects and draw these (as required by new specification)
Questions on the Van der Graaf are included with links to videos and a simulator if the teacher doesn't have access to a Van der Graaf.
Lesson is consolidated by revisiting the starter reviewing pupil knowledge and also through exam style questions based on the specification and style of sample exam papers content.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Describe the structure of the atoms. (D)
2) Explain how an atom can be ‘charged’ and how an object can have a ‘charge’ (C)
3) Investigate how charged objects interact with each other due to electric fields. (B)
4)Apply you knowledge of ‘charges’ to explain static electricity. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previosuly listed 'Statics lesson' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Impact Forces written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter ‘Car Wars’ looks at the test collision between an old and a new vehicle to stimulate discussion of collisions and safety - posing the question which car is safer and why?
This is discussed and reviewed focusing on crumple zones and comparing how each car crumpled and why this is good (or for the old car, bad).
Crumple zones, air bags and seat belts are detailed and discussed for common function - to increase impact time to decrease impact force. This concept is highlighted by exploring the physics mathematically.
Review questions with answers are provided for the topic.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify key safety features of vehicles to reduce impact force.
- Explain how ‘impact time’ affects impact force.
- Relate momentum to impact forces in collisions and explain how impact forces can be reduced in car collisions.
- Calculate impact forces resulting from collisions.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter relates the previous lesson on ‘work done’ to the current lesson on energy which also brings in the idea of conservation of energy.
Provided a clear explanation of gravitational energy and how this relates to work done students are given the equation which they can immediately use with the ‘book shelf’ activity. Books each of mass 1 kg are flown across different height shelves where students must then calculate their gravitational potential energy.
The idea of kinetic energy is explored by looking at different size vehicles and their top speeds and what this might mean for their kinetic energy. Following the explanation of the equation the students then complete an activity with different vehicles moving across the screen with their speeds and masses visible for student to calculate the kinetic energy of each.
The Elastic potential energy equation is reviewed and then students are able to apply it with review questions.
The elastic potential energy and kinetic energy equations are reviewed in focus to show how they can be re-arranged to make extension and velocity the subject.
Exam questions are provided as a plenary.
Home work questions are provided for review.
Exam questions are given as a plenary task.
Lesson Objectives:
Provide definitions for kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
Apply at least two energy equations to problems successfully.
Apply and re-arrange all energy equations to problems.
Relate work done to changes in energy stores.
Complete GCSE Physics lessons on I-V Characteristics using key content from AQA Physics P2.
Starter provides a discussion of graph trends and what graphs tell us, this leads on to wider details of how to interpret graph results and key vocabulary.
Sometime can be spent getting pupils to plan an experiment to investigate I-V characteristics of different electrical components but you can choose to move straight to the guided investigation.
On collection of data for fixed resistors, diodes and filaments bulbs the class can plot their data on graphs.
Key data trends are summarised with explanations of trends for each component.
Exam style questions are provided in the relation the new specification.
Lesson finished with questioning on LDR's and thermistors with an activity which can be in class or for homework.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify relationships shown by graphs. (D)
2) Design & carry out an experiment to investigate the relationship between I & V for different electrical components. (C)
3) Explain how current and voltage vary for a filament bulb, diode and fixed resistor. (B)
4) Explain in detail what causes the current and voltage to change for key electrical components. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'I_V charasteristics' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Heating and insulation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter comprises of a series of questions reviewing the content from previous lessons on energy transfer by heating. The definition of insulators are quickly reviewed and this then leads to details of the required practical on insulation. Questioning is provided relating to AT 1 and AT5 before the experiment guidance is given. 3 different experiment approaches are provided: different materials, different number of layers and different starting temperature are given as varied choice of investigation. These link to the factors which affect rate of heat transfer across a material. Data analysis and conclusion guidance is provided.
The lesson continue by relating insulation to the home, detailing key methods of insulating the home.
A task sheet which can be used for homework is provided which ask pupils to identify how different things either keep or lose heat energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review topic of energy transfer by heating.
2) Identify suitable apparatus to complete a scientific investigation.
3) Detail appropriate and safe use of apparatus to complete an investigation.
4) Analyse and interpret collected data to draw conclusions.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Work done' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter - Students are to discuss what objects they think would be the most 'work' to move into a house. This is to get them thinking about what work means - more work or less work.
The familiar definition of work is explored which is then related to the definition of work in physics. A quick mini plenary questions students on different scenarios to see if work is done on the system or not.
After the equations for Work done is given and explained students re-visit the moving house activity to calculate the work done on moving different objects into a house.
An experiment is detailed to explore work done on different surfaces to start investigating the effects of friction in relation to work done. The lesson concludes looking at useful friction and the changes in energy stores cause by friction.
Exam questions are given as a plenary task.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Provide a definitions for work done.
2) Recall and apply the equation for Work done to solve problems.
3) Calculate the energy changes in different systems using work done.
4) Detail the energy changes that occur in a system when work is done.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Forces and Elasticity written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts by discussing what elasticity is in relation to familiar, everyday objects which then challenge pupil thinking with ‘slo-mo’ videos of these objects being impacted.
Elasticity is then further explored with compression and tension in springs and also related to other objects.
To assist pupils in their understanding of the force extension graphs for materials proportionality is reviewed mathematically.
A class experiment is detailed using simple Physics equipment to test everyday materials for to produce a force-extension graph. Conclusions can then be drawn from the data produced in this experiment.
Hooke’s law is detailed and related to a simply spring extension experiment and used to highlight spring constants.
Plenary poses a summary question for pupils to answer with detailed responses showing their understanding of elasticity.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify objects in compression or tension.
- Explain what is meant by a proportional relationship.
- Describe an experiment to extension of an object due to force applied.
- Interpret and draw conclusions from a force-extension graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Latent Heat’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Starter review the change of state graph to look at why the temperature does not increase at the transition point of state of matter whilst it substance is still heated. To answer this internal energy is first recapped. This highlights the importance of the potential energy of the substance/ position of particles in a substance for different states and also overall internal energy. This leads to the conclusion that the energy is being used to change these particles position and overcome forces of attraction within a substance in order to change state - therefore no temperature increase.
Latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporisation are both discussed in detail with the equation and in relation to the graph. Examples of the equation in use show how to carry out calculations to pupils. Lesson concludes with review questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what happens to a substance as it is provided more energy without a temperature change.
- State and explain what is meant by specific latent heat.
- Compare and contrast latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporisation
- Successfully apply latent heat equations to solve problems.
GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Series Circuits using key content from AQA exam specification.
The starter for the lesson revisits models as a way of helping to explain principles of electric circuits. The model used is a simple model which you can do as a class activity or a class demo by simply using string with dots spotted around the string. This helps to summarise key terms before moving onto series circuit rules.
The string model is then used to help pupils explain key series circuit rules which are summarised.
The main uses a circuit experiment requiring the pupils to build 6 different simple circuits using ammeters and voltmeters, results can be drawn with circuit diagrams. (Support sheet included for pupils that may struggle drawing circuits).
Plenary uses a series of questions to apply pupil knowledge of series circuit rules.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review key words for the electricity topic. (D)
2) Explain the current and potential difference rule for series circuits. (C)
3) Investigate current and potential difference in series circuits. (B)
4) Apply the series circuit rule to problems. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Series Circuits' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.