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.
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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Energy resources and environment + Supply and Demand written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Describe the environmental impact arising from the use of different energy resources
Identify why some energy resources are more reliable than others
Explain patterns and trends in the use of energy resources
Consider the environmental issues that may arise from the use of different energy resources
Discuss environmental issues arising from the use of energy resources in relation to political, social, ethical and economic aspects.
Complete lesson on Electromagnetic Spectrum/Uses/Risks with key content from AQA Physics.
This lesson covers the electromagnetic spectrum, waves uses, wave risk, order and size of waves and mobile risks.
Starter uses a fun riddle challenge which pupils enjoyed doing in Generating Electricity and so asked for another.
The lesson explores the spectrum by order of identities of waves, wavelength, frequency and energy.
A quick task on multipliers, standard form and prefixes helps pupils understand the notation commonly seen on the EM spectrum and also as questioned in exams.
A task gets pupils to explore different EM waves using information sheet for them to use to summarise key information. Then mobile phone risk is then discussed along with correlation and causation.
Plenary quick quiz and some exam style questions which can be used as mini plenaries to link to exams.
More lessons in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Infrared Radiation & Black body radiation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Bundled together is 2 complete lessons on infra-red radiation with different learning objectives and activities.
LESSON 1 - Infrared radiation and black body radiation
Lesson starts with optical illusion which makes white dots appear black, this is to start thoughts on what black is and engage students with something a bit different. The difference between heat and temperature is discussed to lead to what infrared radiation is. A question posed about whether ice gives off infrared radiation consolidates a key point. Thermal imaging is explored with how it works and a guess what it is exercise of infrared images.
Different shades of black are shown to discuss what black does in terms of visible light, leading to an explanation of perfect black body radiation. Black body radiation and infrared emission at varied temperatures is discussed (including a link to a useful simulation). The effect of absorption and emission of infrared on bodies is detailed concluding with summary question on the topic.
Lesson Objectives:
State the difference between heat and infra-red radiation.
Explain what is meant by ‘black-body radiation’.
Identify the effects of infra-red radiation can have on a body.
Relate the effects of absorption and emission of infra-red radiation has on a body.
LESSON 2 - Infrared radiation, surfaces and bodies
The use of black balls on the LA reservoir is shown in gif images to pupils to discuss why they did this. Absorption and emission of infrared is reviewed briefly. This leads to factors which effect the Earth's temperature and how greenhouse gases impact this. An experiment to investigate different surfaces and infrared emission, absorption and reflection is outlined. The key points from this investigation are summarised for note taking. A true or false activity reviews previous content followed by review questions. Infrared emission, absorption and reflection is applied through questioning to the Earth & the moon, satellites in space and the starter on the LA reservoir.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify and explain key factors that effect the temperature of the Earth.
Investigate and identify the properties of different materials and their effect on infra-red radiation.
Apply your knowledge of infrared radiation and surfaces to real life problems.
Explain why the temperature on the Moon is different to the Earth.
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 'Energy and Power of Electrical Devices' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter gets pupils discussing common electrical devices and the useful and wasteful energy transfers they make.
To start looking at Power pupils discuss what power means for familiar figures.
Main includes a clear description of what Power is in Physics and an explanation of the units. This lead onto clear example of using the equation and to a classroom activity looking at power rating of electrical devices and making energy transferred calculation from them.
Included is a review of the power efficiency calculation with examples.
A task sheet allows pupils practice use of the lessons knowledge.
A final line of questioning draws on knowledge of previous topics to review and consolidate content.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State and explain what power is and the unit for power.
2) Relate power ratings to different electrical devices.
3) Calculate power rating of electrical devices.
4) Calculate the energy used and wasted by devices and therefore their efficiency.
Worksheet includes 'Energy & Power' task to be printed on one A4 sheet to save on printing. Set-up to print '2 pages per sheet' to produce one worksheet.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electrical Power and potential difference' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter looks at the power of different devices of very different orders of magnitude. Following this a quick activity looks at powers and conversion using Watts as the unit to convert - reviews nW, µW, mW, W, kW, MW, GW.
The power and energy transferred equation is reviewed briefly through review questions.
The equation for power using voltage and current is introduced and how to re-arrange it. Fuse ratings are discussed with appropriate choice of fuse rating highlighted.
Energy transfer by heating in conductors/resistors is reviewed and then related to the Power equation using resistance and current. How to re-arrange this is shown in detail.
The lesson concludes with a series of review questions and exam style questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State a definition for power.
2) Calculate the power of an appliance by the energy transferred.
3) Relate potential difference and current to electrical power.
4) Identify appropriate fuse ratings for appliances.
5) Identify the uses of resistance in conductors and calculate power using resistance.
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 '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 ‘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
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
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.
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 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 '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)
6 Lessons covering the topic of Electromagnetism for the AQA GCSE 9-1.
Lessons included:
Magnets and Magnetic fields
Magnetic field and current
The Motor Effect
The Generator Effect
AC DC Generators
Transformers and the National Grid
Please take time to review detail of each included resources before purchase to check suitability for your teaching.
A collection of 50 cool Science GIF images (short animations) showing various interesting science principles across Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
Can use as starters or plenaries to discuss....or simply because they look really interesting.
(Apologies, previous uploaded in error. Now all with titles of experiment in GIF)
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM Nteach.
As the much needed Christmas break approaches some fun activities are needed for the classroom as the typical lessons become near impossible to do.
Please enjoy the 2016 Christmas Science Quiz to have some fun your classes before the Christmas holidays.
Some more fun Christmas activities to follow.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy and Efficiency' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
The lesson can start with either a task to correct statements provided about energy or to discuss what happens to wasted energy.
Different types of bulbs are shown through images which pupils are likely to have comes across, they are then prompted to discuss how they are different and why we use different ones, this lead to talking about efficiency.
Useful and wasted energy are explained and related to context and energy flow diagrams previously used. Also a key explanation of what happens to wasted energy is given. Pupils must then identify whether particular energy changes are useful or wasteful for certain devices.
Energy efficiency is detailed to students and then presented as 'units of energy' in a form similar to sankey diagrams (which are no longer required by AQA but can help students rationalise percentages). A class activity is outlined which requires groups of pupils to shown how energy is split by different devices and can help students visually see how portions of energy are distributed. Following this the energy equation is given which is then used by two sets of review questions.
The lesson concludes with content for higher tier students which looks at ways energy waste can be reduced.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain what is meant by useful and wasted energy.
2) Explain what eventually happens to wasted energy.
3) Calculate the energy efficiency of different appliances.
4) Detail how energy transfers can be made more efficient. (Higher tier only)