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.
The lesson is summarised with review questions on the content covered.
USES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the properties of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify that nuclear radiation can be dangerous and useful.
3) Explain in detail one or two applications of nuclear radiation.
4) Apply your knowledge of nuclear radiation to exam questions.
Applications explored in detail: geiger-muller counter, x-rays, badges, automatic thickness monitoring, traces, smoke alarms, carbon dating and uranium dating.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation & a second lesson on uses of nuclear radiation (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the characteristics of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify the penetrating power and range of type of radiation.
3) Explain what is meant by ionising radiation and relate to the three types and applications of this.
4) Compare and contrast the effect of magnetic and electric fields of nuclear radiation.
Pupils are prompted to post questions they have on nuclear radiation so far and in general which can be discussed by the class to serve as some recap on the previous lesson, deal with misconceptions and highlight progress when these may be answered during the lesson (and previous lessons).
Pupils recap the content of the previous lesson on the characteristics of the 3 types of radiation as this is important to the current lesson and exercises their knowledge on the subject.
Penetrating power and range of the types of radiation is covered in detail using animations.
Ionisation is reviewed by challenging pupils through questioning relating to previous content. This is then related to radiation and the types ability to ionise atoms. This lead to descriptions of photographic film and a detailed description of how the geiger-muller counter work with a bespoke animation to assist this.
Deflection of radiation is covered through questioning using clear imagery and animations to support pupils. This leads to literacy based task for pupils to compare and contrast different types of radiation and their path through an electric field.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on atomic structure, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. (created with AQA specification content).
Lesson Objectives:
- Recall and detail the basic structure of an atom.
- Relate number of protons, electrons and neutrons to mass and atomic numbers.
- Explain how atoms form ions & identify the isotopes of different elements.
- Explain radioactivity in terms of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
The lesson guides pupils very clearly through exactly what radioactivity is by starting with the atom and so isotopes.
Starter prompts pupils to find the key words for the lesson using a ‘say what you see’ game.
Following a review of the atoms structure and properties through questioning. A task exploring the periodic table using relative atomic mass and atomic number familiarises pupils with these as they are important later.
Ions are reviewed through a task using visuals of atoms/ions to identify ions or atoms with appropriate charge. This then leads onto explaining what isotopes which can then be linked to unstable elements.
Radioactivity is then explained through a basic description relating to like charges of protons in the nucleus and the required binding energy to hold the nucleus together.
Alpha, Beta and Gamma are then reviewed with visuals of the process to relate to pupils clearly what happens.
A literacy task summarises and reviews the lesson.
GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Parallel Circuits including key content from AQA Physics exam specification.
Starter uses 'Taboo' game to review the topic of electric circuits using cards in Taboo sheet, need cutting into cards beforehand.
Following recap of key electric terms an animated model is used to compare series and parallel circuits.
An experiment requires 6 simple parallel circuits to be built by pupils to investigate parallel circuits, this is then summarised. (Support sheet included for pupils that may struggle drawing circuits)
A collection of question applies parallel circuit rules to problems.
Plenary uses a written task in the style of a 6 mark exam question which can then be peer marked by pupils.
1) Review series circuits rules (D)
2) Explain the circuit rules for components in parallel circuits. (C)
3) Investigate potential difference and current in parallel circuits. (B)
4) Apply the parallel circuit rules to problems. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Parallel 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.
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.
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.
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 Current and Charge.
Starter begins with discussion of why static electricity couldn't be used as the power source for lighting which follows on from the previous lesson on statics (will add varied starters at a later date)
Key circuit symbols & functions are reviewed using the worksheet which can be done with electrical components and highlight the required circuit symbols to recognise by the AQA specification.
The main consists simple circuit building and drawing activities to provide a foundation to build the circuits required for experiments later in the unit.
Questioning leads to a definition of electrical current and electrical charge with the appropriate equations detailed.
Plenary questions are provided and also a true or false activity on the lessons content.
Lesson objectives:
1) Identify circuit symbols and their functions. (D)
2) Build electrical circuits using circuit diagrams. (C)
3) Draw circuits using appropriate symbols. (B)
4) Define the term ‘electrical current’ and carry out current calculations. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Circuits, current and charge 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.
Complete set of lessons for OLD AQA GCSE Physics P2 including key content from AQA.
The content of GCSE Physics P2 is covered over 25 separate resourced lessons all in the same format for continuity and direction for pupils (some of which are suitable for double lessons). Please do look at the shop if you wish to look at more detailed breakdowns of the lessons included in this bundle.
P2.1 Forces and their Effects
L1 - Resultant Forces
L2 - Forces and motion: d-t
L3 - Forces and motion:Acceleration & v-t
L4 - Forces and Braking
L5 - Forces & Terminal Velocity
L6 - Forces & Elasticity
P2.2 Kinetic energy of objects
L7 - Forces & Energy
L8 - Momentum
P2.3 Current Electricity
L9 - Statics/Charges
L10 - Circuits Symbols & Current
L11 – Current, Voltage & Resistance
L12 - I-V Characteristics
L13 – Series Circuits
L14 - Parallel Circuit
P2.4 Main Electricity
L15 - AC/DC
L16 - Plug Wiring
L17 – Fuses, Circuit Breakers & RCCBs
L18 – Electrical Power
L19 - Electrical Energy & Charge
P2.5 Radioactivity
L20 - Atomic Structure & Radioactivity
L21 - Properties of Alpha, Beta & Gamma radiation
L22 - Properties of Radiation/Uses
L23 - Half-life
P2.6 Nuclear Fission & Fusion
L24 - Nuclear Fission
L25 - Nuclear Fusion/Stars
Complete GCSE lesson on Nuclear Fusion and the life cycle of stars.
Learning Objectives:
1) State and explain what is meant by Nuclear Fusion.
2) Identify the products from nuclear fusion reactions.
3) Explain in detail the birth and life cycle of a star.
4) Apply knowledge of nuclear fusion to stars and how different elements have been formed.
2 COMPLETE LESSONS ON HALF-LIFE & NUCLEAR FISSION
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactive half-life and another on nuclear fission (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
Learning Objectives for Half-life lesson:
1) Review what is meant by isotope and how this is radioactive.
2) Understand the ‘random’ nature of radioactive decay.
3) State and explain what is meant by ‘half-life’.
4) Draw key conclusions from graphs of radioactive decay.
The lesson is summarised with review questions on the content covered.
Learning Objectives for Fission lesson:
1) State and explain what is meant by Nuclear Fission. (D)
2) State the isotopes commonly used in Nuclear Power stations. (C)
3) Explain the process of a nuclear fission chain reaction. (B)
4) Identify and explain in detail the key features of a Nuclear Power station. (A)
The lesson is summarised with exam style questions.
Lessons Fusion to come soon.
2 COMPLETE LESSONS ON NUCLEAR RADIATION.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation & a second lesson on uses of nuclear radiation (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the characteristics of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify the penetrating power and range of type of radiation.
3) Explain what is meant by ionising radiation and relate to the three types and applications of this.
4) Compare and contrast the effect of magnetic and electric fields of nuclear radiation.
Pupils are prompted to post questions they have on nuclear radiation so far and in general which can be discussed by the class to serve as some recap on the previous lesson, deal with misconceptions and highlight progress when these may be answered during the lesson (and previous lessons).
Pupils recap the content of the previous lesson on the characteristics of the 3 types of radiation as this is important to the current lesson and exercises their knowledge on the subject.
Penetrating power and range of the types of radiation is covered in detail using animations.
Ionisation is reviewed by challenging pupils through questioning relating to previous content. This is then related to radiation and the types ability to ionise atoms. This lead to descriptions of photographic film and a detailed description of how the geiger-muller counter work with a bespoke animation to assist this.
Deflection of radiation is covered through questioning using clear imagery and animations to support pupils. This leads to literacy based task for pupils to compare and contrast different types of radiation and their path through an electric field.
The lesson is summarised with review questions on the content covered.
USES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the properties of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify that nuclear radiation can be dangerous and useful.
3) Explain in detail one or two applications of nuclear radiation.
4) Apply your knowledge of nuclear radiation to exam questions.
Applications explored in detail: geiger-muller counter, x-rays, badges, automatic thickness monitoring, traces, smoke alarms, carbon dating and uranium dating.
More Radioactivity lessons to come shortly.
A collection of complete lessons with guidance included for Forces and their Effects/Mechanics of motion.
Lessons in consistent format all following on from each other with review on previous contents on previous lessons.
L1 - Resultant Forces
L2 - Forces and motion: d-t
L3 - Forces and motion:Acceleration & v-t
L4 - Forces and Braking
L5 - Forces & Terminal Velocity
L6 - Forces & Elasticity
Complete set of lessons covering key content for the topic of, Heat transfer.
Lesson 1- Radiation and Surfaces
Lesson 2 – States of matter, evaporation & condensation
Lesson 3 – Conduction
Lesson 4 - Convection
Lesson 5 – Specific Heat Capacity
Lesson 6 – Heat transfer by design
Lesson 7 – U-values & Payback time
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on atomic structure, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
Lesson Objectives:
- Recall and detail the basic structure of an atom.
- Relate number of protons, electrons and neutrons to mass and atomic numbers.
- Explain how atoms form ions & identify the isotopes of different elements.
- Explain radioactivity in terms of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
The lesson guides pupils very clearly through exactly what radioactivity is by starting with the atom and so isotopes.
Starter prompts pupils to find the key words for the lesson using a 'say what you see' game.
Following a review of the atoms structure and properties through questioning. A task exploring the periodic table using relative atomic mass and atomic number familiarises pupils with these as they are important later.
Ions are reviewed through a task using visuals of atoms/ions to identify ions or atoms with appropriate charge. This then leads onto explaining what isotopes which can then be linked to unstable elements.
Radioactivity is then explained through a basic description relating to like charges of protons in the nucleus and the required binding energy to hold the nucleus together.
Alpha, Beta and Gamma are then reviewed with visuals of the process to relate to pupils clearly what happens.
A literacy task summarises and reviews the lesson.
MORE RADIOACTIVITY LESSONS TO FOLLOW SOON!
A collection of complete lessons which address the fundamental concepts in electricity, starting from static electricity moving to current electricity with key definitions and explanations of concepts, moving to key circuits rules and characteristics..
Lessons in consistent format all following on from each other with review on previous contents on previous lessons.
L1 - Static Electricity
L2 - Circuit Symbols (including current and charge)
L3 - Current, Voltage and Resistance, Ohm's Law
L4 - I-V characteristics (also LDRs and thermistors)
L5 - Series Circuits
L6 - Parallel Circuits
Review individual lessons in my shop for greater detail on each individual lessons.
A periodic table made with the the relative atomic mass at the top and the atomic (proton) number listed at the bottom.
Useful for the radioactivity component of the Physics course for writing equations describing alpha and beta decay of atoms.