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 '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 'EM spectrum details' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength, frequency and energy.
2) Explain in detail with different uses up to 4 EM waves.
3)Explain in detail with different uses of all 4 EM waves.
4) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Atmospheric Pressure’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Learning objectives:
- Explain what atmospheric pressure is.
- Describe a simple model of earth atmosphere and atmospheric pressure.
- Identify how atmospheric pressure changes with altitude.
- Carry out calculations with atmospheric pressure at different altitudes.
Complete lesson on GCSE P1 thermal conduction.
Starter includes simple teacher demo which can be substituted for linked video.
Main class practical requires standard lab equipment.
Key summaries provided with guidance on exam mark worthy responses.
Tasks include writing challenge (exam preparation), further questions and plenary relating to vacuum flask.
Lessons in same format available for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete GCSE Physics lessons on Static Electricity using key content from AQA Physics P2.
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.
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.
More P2 lessons to come.
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.
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.
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 '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 lesson on Ionic bonding
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recap ion formation
2) Describe ionic bonding.
3) Explain how elements form ionic bonds.
4) Draw dot and cross diagrams.
5) Use the periodic table to find how different elements form ionic bonds.
Lesson updated as promised to version 2 - 05/09/16
More Chemistry lessons to follow on Nteach
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 ‘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.
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 ’ Sound’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain what sound is in terms of a wave.
Explain what an echo is and how it occurs.
Detail what effect amplitude has on sound.
Detail what effect pitch has on sound.
Explain how the human ear detects sound and the limits of the human ear.
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
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.