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.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Terminal Velocity including key content from AQA exam specification and relevant to Edexcel.
The starter begins with a question regarding throwing a penny off the Empire State Building - a common myth surrounding this which is dealt with during this lesson on terminal velocity.
Forces and size represented by arrows are quickly recapped and related to skydiving which allows for good class discussion.
A class activity is detailed which uses just a stopwatch, meter rule and cut-out provided. This task investigates air resistance and it's effect on time to fall to the ground. The conclusions drawn from this can lead to the class to summarise what air resistance is and how it increases and decreases.
Terminal velocity is then explained through an animation of a skydive which is summarised by the class.
An extended activity uses a v-t graph relating to a skydive with key questions to challenge pupils.
The lesson finishes with a TRUE or FALSE quiz and then revisiting the initial started question.
More P2 lessons to come
Resources for new GCSE AQA Physics 2016 specification.
Bundled lessons cover the Electricity resources content of the GCSE.
This includes:
- Electric Charges and fields
- Current and charge
- Potential Different and Resistance
- Component Characteristics
- Series Circuits
- Parallel Circuits
- AC/DC
- National Grid
- Cables and plugs
- Electrical Power and potential difference
- Electrical currents and energy transfer (charge)
For clear detail on aspects of each lesson please review each lesson bundled into the packaged to ensure it meets your requirements. I hope this gives you and your pupils a great start to the new Physics GCSE.
I do update each lesson in the bundle with new and varied content as I often revisit lessons to further improve them.
A bundle of resources aimed at the new GCSE AQA specification Nuclear Physics Unit.
Lessons included:
- Introduction to Atoms & Nuclear Radiation
-Atomic Model, Plum pudding and Bohr’s model of the atom.
-Atoms and Radiation.
- Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation.
- Radioactivity and Half-life.
- Nuclear Radiation Uses (Medicine).
- Nuclear Fission.
- Nuclear Fusion.
Additional lesson to be added on ‘the discovery of nuclear radiation.’
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.
Complete lesson on Energy Efficiency, Sankey Diagrams & Efficiency Calculation with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses a correct the statements challenge to recap previous content to this topic
Main includes a step by step guide to drawing Sankey diagrams with questions for pupils attempt following. Also covered is efficiency calculation.
Lesson concludes with independent task on comparing filament and CFL bulbs.
Included is a 6 mark exam question homework with peer marking description for use in following lesson (homework hand-in date).
Worksheet includes Sankey diagrams task and calculating efficiency task to be printed on one A4 sheet to save on printing. Set-up to print '2 pages per sheet' to produce one worksheet.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
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 '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.
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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Pressure in Liquids’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
The lesson starts with a question on the dangers presented to deep sea divers.
How liquids exert a pressure is demonstrated with a visual of a series of containers with different heights of liquid inside whilst highlighting the liquid has mass and therefore weight - this is then linked back to pressure = force/area.
The importance of height in relation to pressure is further reviewed with a water bottle that has holes at different heights - the water jets shooting out is then discussed.
Finally reviewing the importance of density to mass to weight and therefore pressure leads to the formation of the equation, P= ρgh - practice of the use of the equation is provided by looking at the pressure beneath the sea at different depths.
The dangers of deep sea scuba diving are again discussed with the lesson knowledge gained.
The lesson is concluded with a set of review question.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how a liquid exerts a pressure.
- Explain how pressure exerted by a liquid can be increased.
- Explain how pressure varies at different points in liquid.
- Calculate the pressure in a liquid column.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Atmospheric Pressure’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
(Required for GCSE Physics only Higher tier)
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how upthrust acts on an object in a fluid.
- Identify the key factors that contribute to upthrust of an object in a fluid.
- Relate pressure in a fluid to upthrust.
- Predict whether a variety of objects will float or sink.
NOTE: The lenses lesson (listed as lesson 4) had been missing from this bundle, this had now been rectified.
5 lessons covering the unit of Light and Lenses for AQA GCSE Physics.
Lesson include:
Reflection of Light (
Refraction of Light
Light and Colour
Lenses
Using Lenses
Please read individual resources descriptions for each item in the bundle for further detail.
5 lessons covering the unit of Wave Properties for AQA GCSE Physics.
Lesson include:
Properties of Waves
Reflection and Refraction of Waves
Sound
Ultrasound
Seismic Waves
Please read individual resources descriptions for each item in the bundle for further detail.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on the generator effect written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Explain what the generator effect is
Explain how potential difference can be induced in a wire
Identify what affects the size of induced potential difference in a generator
Detail how to deduce the direction of induced current
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Reflection of Light (Diffuse and specular reflection) ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify and explain different methods of reflecting waves.
Investigate the law of reflection.
Draw ray diagrams for different objects.
Explain and draw virtual images.
Explain what happens to light rays when they reflect of different types of surfaces.
Complete lesson on 'Wave Properties/Natures of Waves/Measuring Waves' with key content from AQA Physics.
This lesson covers types of waves, parts of waves/characteristics, wave speed equation, terms and starts discussing EM waves.
Starter uses a cryptogram for pupils to solve and produce the key words for the topic
Guidance provided on Slinky demo and questioning to prompt pupils to produce key statements which are later detailed (as common exam questions).
Wave speed question explained and modelled with practice questions.
Task sheet with stretch and challenge questions which can be edited out.
Lesson includes some simple exam style questions which can be used as mini plenaries to link to exams.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Density, Mass and Volume’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Nice simple starter asks pupils to list objects in order of density. Density is then clearly explained with visual effects to provide an example with a definition. Volume is also explained with comparative visuals. This lead to density being considered with volume and then both considered to produce mass - leading m=ρV. Some review questions practice the use of this equation.
Pupils are tasked with finding the density of different objects provided by the teacher (simple shapes of common materials required). REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5
To continue the lesson the story of Archimedes and the gold crown is told featuring some key questioning for pupils. This then leads to pupils finding the density of irregular shaped objects by ‘displacement technique’ (REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5).
To further extend pupil knowledge Archimedes principle of displacement is further explored with floating objects such as ships in water, icebergs and ice on water.
Lesson Objectives:
- State and explain the properties called volume, density and mass.
- Use the density equation to calculate different properties of objects.
- Describe in detail experiments to identify an objects density.
- Explain how large objects such as ships float in water.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Light and Colour ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what is meant by the visible light spectrum.
Detail the different colours on the visible light spectrum and relate to wavelength.
Explain how surfaces appear to be certain colours.
Compare and contrast translucent and transparent objects and their interaction with light.
(upated 07/11/2019)
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - fuses, circuit breakers and RCCBs including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter reviews previous unit content on plug wiring and AC/DC current which leads to fuses.
Electrical safety is discussed through the effects of electric shocks and resistance is briefly revisited, reviewing previous P2 content. Resistance in a wire is related to the operation of fuses which is then detailed ( a nice demo is included in the comment box but alternatively a video can be shown).
Circuit breakers and their function is detailed with animations and videos with key questioning on functions.
A written task reviews fuses and circuit breakers.
The detail required by the exam specification is provided (with an alternative slide for classes that would want to know more).
The importance of earthing is explored through questioning (relating back to P2 Statics).
The plenary task uses pictionary to review all key concepts.
More P2 lessons to come
Completely resourced lesson on Forces and Driving with key content from AQA Physics.
Learning 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.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking.
Stopping distances are reviewed with thinking and braking distances, this leads to a class activity on reaction times to consolidate thinking distances.
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.
The ishihara colour blind test in PowerPoint form to provide an in class activity.
10 images are shown which contain a number which depending on vision will present possibility of a colour vision deficiency.