I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Pressure and Volume' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain the effects of changing pressure on volume of a gas (and vice versa).
- Use the equation ‘PV=constant’ (Boyle’s Law) to solve problems.
- Correctly explain trends in terms of proportionality.
- Explain the effects of quickly compressing a gas on temperature.
4 lessons covering the unit of Forces and Pressure for AQA GCSE Physics.
Lesson include:
Pressure and Surfaces
Pressure and Liquids
Atmospheric Pressure
Upthrust and Flotation
Please read individual resources descriptions for each item in the bundle for further detail.
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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Conservation of energy' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lessons starts with a 'energy store' description in regards to a pendulum (using interesting animations) which consolidates the previous lessons on energy stores.
The swinging pendulum back towards the face is used as the vehicle to discuss conservation of energy, posing the question 'will you be hit in the face when the pendulum swings back?'. Students are led to an experiment to investigate a pendulum swing using basic lab equipment (clamp, string and mass for end of pendulum, can use a bobbin or plasticine) to make observations. This allows for an informed discussion and conclusion to be made to the original question.
Energy in closed systems are explained with the reason for them to be used in science, open systems are also looked at in order to allow contrast. The conservation of energy is summarised through discussion of systems which lead to comparing and contrasting a bouncy ball and also bungee jumps in relation to changes in energy stores and conservation of energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Use ideas about changes in energy stores to explain a pendulum swinging.
2) State what the ‘conservation of energy’ is and explain why conservation of energy is important.
3) Explain what is meant by a ‘closed system’ and how they are used in science.
4) Compare and contrast changes to energy stores between closed and open systems
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Alternating Current & Direct Current' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Simple starter using images for pupils to work out what the lesson is about today. Pupils must then group a bunch of electrical devices, either DC or AC supply or both.
The direction of flow of current is reviewed (although not entirely necessary but highlights some key physics).
This leads to descriptions of DC and AC current flow.
A class demo modelling a circuit using pupils as electric charge allows for a visual demonstration of AC and DC current. This can also allow for a teaching opportunity for frequency of AC current.
Key wave properties are reviewed to help with analysis of AC waveform representations.
Mains electricity at 230V and 50Hz is highlighted, being important to the specification. Peak potential difference is also discussed.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions and also a question to review AC and DC current looking at slo-mo capture of lights.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify AC and DC devices.
2) State and explain what is meant by direct current, DC.
3) State and explain what is meant by alternating current and relate to mains supply.
4) Determine period and frequency of an AC supply using diagrams.
Also includes lesson on National Grid.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Renewable Energy Resources (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectricity, Wave, tidal, geothermal)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts with a series of riddles relating to different types of energy resources.
The need for renewable/alternative energy resources is highlight through questioning regarding previously studied fossil fuels, nuclear power and biofuels.
The different types of renewable energy resources are reviewed for note taking and discussion. Following a summary of key renewable energy resource advantages and disadvantages the pupils are given a writing challenge to compare and contrast different types of energy resources.
The lesson can be done as regular in class lesson or alternatively can be given as webquest for pupils to complete and then slides used for key summary and consolidation.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain the need for renewable energy resources.
2) Identify a number of different renewable energy resources.
3) Detail how different energy resources meet our energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare different methods of renewable energy resources, with non renewable resources.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Atomic model, Plum pudding and Bohr's model of the atom ' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain how and why ideas in Science change over time.
2) Identify and explain the conclusions from the alpha scattering experiment.
3) Explain why the new evidence from the scattering experiment led to a change in the atomic model.
4) Compare and contrast the plum pudding model of the atom and the nuclear model of the atom.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Momentum' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State what momentum is.
2) Relate momentum to mass and velocity.
3) Calculate the momentum of an object with correct units.
4) Apply the conservation of momentum to 2 objects colliding or exploding.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electromagnetic Spectrum' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2) Identify the order of EM waves based on wavelengths, frequency & energy.
3) Identify orders of magnitude (size) of different EM wavelengths.
4) Explain the use of different EM waves.
5) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'State of Matter (Solids, Liquid and Gases)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Starter tasks pupils with drawing particle diagrams of different states of matter. Kinetic theory is review in details for each state of matter. Energy levels of each state of matter are discussed and compared. Students are given a task to act out the different states of matter to model them, this allows for discussion of key concepts that must be communicated and how well the models explain different phenomenon. Changes of states are reviewed to identify the different processes that can occur with change of state including sublimation. A simple experiment shows evaporation and condensation in action for pupils to observe. Evaporation, condensation and sublimation are then discussed in detail. Lesson concludes with review questions and a writing challenge.
Lesson Objectives:
- State key differences between solids, liquids and gases.
- Identify properties of solids, liquids and gases.
- Explain the energy differences between different states of matter.
- Explain in detail the processes of evaporation and condensation.
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 'Newtons Second Law - Force and Accerlation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter prompts pupils to discuss how there weight would vary on different planets, this is to set-up how weight is different to mass.
Key terms Force, mass and acceleration are reviewed for clarity leading to the equation F=ma, the units, how it can be rearranged and then review questions to practice the use of.
The equation is then reviewed in terms of proportionality as required by the AQA specification.
Following this F=ma is related to W=mg to highlight that weight is a force and different to mass. This then leads to pupils calculating their mass on different planets - alternatively a task is provided to calculate the mass of a schoolbag on different planets.
For higher tier pupils intertial mass is explained.
Learning Objectives:
- Clearly explain what force, mass and acceleration are.
- Relate how mass and acceleration effect the size of a force.
- Calculate the resultant force on an object by its mass and acceleration.
- Explain the difference between weight and mass.
- What is meant by inertia (Higher Tier)
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Using Lenses’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
- Draw ray diagrams using lens symbols.
- Explain what is meant by the position and nature of an image.
- Detail how to find the position of an image formed by a lens using a ray diagram
- Construct ray diagrams to explain how lenses correct vision.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Reflection and Refraction of Waves’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Includes PowerPoint, 3 task sh
Lesson Objectives:
State what is meant by reflection of a wave.
State what is meant by refraction of a wave.
Explain how ‘incident waves’ relate to ‘reflected waves’.
Identify and explain properties of waves that change due to refraction.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Magnets Fields & Currents written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields
Draw the magnetic field around a current carrying wire
Identify ways in which an electromagnetic field strength can be increased
Explain what an electromagnet is and how once can be made
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Magnets and Magnetic Fields written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
State the basic information about magnets and how they interact
Explain how to plot a magnetic field using a plotting compass
Explain what induced magnetism is and identify magnetic materials
Detail how a compass can be used for navigation
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on the Transformers and the National Grid written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain the principle behind transformers
Explain how the ratio of the p.d across two coils relates the number coil turns
Calculate the current from the transformer input supply to provide a set power output
Detail the advantages power transmission at high p.d
Complete lesson on Sound with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses simple task to get pupils thinking about how sound can be represented and how these may look like different sounds.
The lesson contains the bell jar and oscilloscope but as these often require a specialist or dedicated time to use links to on-line simulators are included which shows these very clearly and are easy to use.
The on-line oscilloscope allows you to change the frequency and amplitude of an audible sound the class can hear allowing you to question them on the wave changes and effects.
Also included is a short description and discussion of echoes.
End of lesson uses a written task for pupils to summarise the key points on volume and pitch. This can then be peer marked by the class using the guidance provided and then pupils can act on this feedback as homework.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
GCSE Physics P2 lesson on AC & DC current including key content from AQA Physics exam specification.
Starter uses gets pupils to try and categorise different electrical devices, this leads to the discussion of batteries and plugs.
Key definitions and explanations are given for a.c and d.c current with suggested modelling activity for a.c. and d.c currents.
Relevant wave properties are recapped and this allows for easier transition to using oscilloscope traces.
A link to a great online simulator is given to help show a.c and d.c current flow on an oscilloscope (no experiment set-up needed) and also a video of this is posted on youtube for use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEkPVViFa2Y
AC is focused on for main circuit supply and related to lighting and for peak voltages and frequency calculation.
Summary questions included.
More P2 to come.
