This activity focuses upon how materials have been specifically engineered to provide certain qualities and characteristics. Learners will explore a range of engineered, synthetic, and smart materials, identifying why they are ‘fit for purpose’ and how they have been engineered to achieve this purpose. Children will delve into learning about the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of their chosen material. Not only will they learn about what the material looks like, both visually and at a molecular level, but also what it was designed to do, how it’s made, what it’s used for, and if its function has evolved over time. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology (DT). Activity: Researching a specifically engineered material Students will work in pairs to conduct research on a specific engineered material. They’ll be tasked with creating a fact sheet or PowerPoint presentation covering all aspects of their chosen material. This includes its chemical, physical and mechanical properties, its appearance, its intended purpose, its manufacturing process, its composition, its applications, and any evolution in its function. The completed projects can then be used as a wall display or presented to the rest of the class, promoting a collaborative learning environment. The engineering context By understanding the process of engineering materials, students can appreciate the real-world implications of engineering. This activity will help them see the creativity, problem-solving, and innovation involved in engineering, inspiring them to consider a career in this exciting field. It also emphasizes the importance of engineering in our daily lives, showcasing how man-made materials contribute to various industries and applications. Suggested learning outcomes Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how materials can be designed and made for specific characteristics and purposes. They’ll be able to identify the properties of materials required for a particular function and explore a range of engineered materials, understanding why and how they have been developed. This activity not only enhances their knowledge of science, design, and technology but also nurtures their research, presentation, and teamwork skills. Download our activity sheet for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan below. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Use mathematics to explain how devices can be on or off Through investigating binary numbers and their role in representing electrical devices as on or off, students will see mathematics in action. Students will get to explore the technology behind the Nintendo Wii and apply this knowledge to design an interactive ‘tag’ game. The activity not only enhances their understanding of communication methods and technologies but also hones their critical thinking and independent investigation skills. This hands-on approach makes maths both tangible and relatable, sparking their interest and demonstrating how integral maths is in everyday life. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within mathematics. As part of the ‘Time for a game’ scheme of work, this activity provides an electronics systems context for students to explore infrared technologies. Other activities include Inputs and outputs of design and Electromagnetic spectrum. Activity: How use maths to identify households that will be most affected by fuel poverty In this activity students will investigate the use of binary numbers. Students will work in teams to represent different numbers through standing (for 1) or sitting (for zero). They will brainstorm applications for binary numbers and delve deeper into selected applications. Each step is designed to maximise engagement and learning, making maths a challenge rather than a chore. Download our worksheet for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students how to use maths to explain how devices can be on or off The engineering context Understanding how binary numbers operate in electronic devices lays the foundation for a future career in engineering. Binary numbers play a fundamental role in the field of engineering, particularly in computer and electrical engineering. They form the basis of all digital systems, including computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will have a solid understanding of binary numbers and their applications in electronic devices. They will appreciate the role of maths in technology, improving their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This activity also fosters teamwork and encourages independent investigation, equipping students with key skills for their academic journey and beyond. Download our activity sheets for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Discuss the work of medical engineers and the use of smart materials for prosthetics The development of new materials with incredible properties is changing the way we live. From LCD TVs to super light airliners, these materials have quickly found their way into pretty much all of the modern technology around us. One area where modern materials have made a huge impact is in the development of prosthetic devices. Some of these devices are beginning to outperform ‘natural’ body parts. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity is a quick, engaging introduction to a lesson looking at the properties of modern materials. With the help of a series of short videos ‘Nature Reinvented’, ‘Prosthetic design’ and ‘Bionic Limbs’, students make the connection between materials, prosthetics and the way in which engineers work. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Secondary classroom poster looking at AI and its applications in the modern world. Download the single poster or order a full set for free from the IET Education website.

Following this lesson plan, students will be able to identify the bedrock on which their town is built using a geological survey map. They’ll also investigate the properties of different types of rocks and interpret data on rock hardness and drilling capabilities. The activity also encourages leaners to consider the implications of large-scale tunnelling and boring work on the bedrock of their town. It’s not just about understanding the science behind it, but also about appreciating its impact on their everyday lives. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology (DT). It can also be used to support geography lesson teaching. Activity: Looking at the link between sewage and the underground tunnel system In this activity, your students will play the roles of investigators for a local water company. They’ll be asked to examine the feasibility of digging a tunnel underneath their town to alleviate strain on the current sewage system. The engineering context In civil engineering, knowledge of geology is essential when designing and constructing infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, and roads. The type of soil and bedrock, the presence of groundwater, the risk of earthquakes or landslides - all these factors can greatly influence the feasibility, design, safety, and cost of construction projects. By investigating the feasibility of constructing a sewage tunnel, students will gain insights into the practical applications of their geography, science and math lessons. They’ll see first hand how engineers use their knowledge of rocks and their properties to make decisions that impact entire communities. Suggested learning outcomes The goal of this lesson plan is not only to teach your students about the properties of rocks but also to inspire them to think critically about how these properties affect our world. By the end of this activity, they’ll have a deeper understanding of their town’s geological makeup and the implications of drilling through the bedrock. They’ll also be able to interpret data on rock hardness and drilling capabilities, which are crucial skills in many STEM fields. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the film), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

**This Christmas STEM activity lets students create Christmas tree decorations in a new way, using chromatography! ** Students will use coffee filters, washable felt tips and a few other items to learn about mixtures, pigments and more! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM

Time the journeys of different shaped boats and present the results This engaging engineering activity for KS3 considers displaying data from a practical investigation looking at the effect of streamlining a boats hull. Students will be asked to consider how this information can be represented effectively and use this to form conclusions. The reliability of their results will then be discussed. Activity Measuring boat speed Students will use the test rig, which can be found in the resources below, to test several different shaped boats. Students should measure the time taken for each boat to travel a set distance and record the results. Ask the students to discuss the fact that there is no measurable independent variable as it is very difficult to quantify the hull shape in terms of numbers. The students should ponder how they are going to represent these results graphically. If time is available, complete the investigation by repeating the tests. Discuss the sorts of errors that might occur in the collection of results. Learners will then plot their results into a bar graph. This could be used as part of an advertising campaign to sell the boat which could include design, bar chart, a brief conclusion and an explanation as to why the results are reliable. There is also an opportunity to use data logging equipment as well as light gates to further reduce errors in this engineering activity. As an extension, students could calculate speed (s=d/t), and the mean speed for each boat, taking into account the anomalous results. Students could consider what they could measure to draw a line graph and find the optimal hull design. If time is available, students could manufacture and test their own designs and include them within the analysis. This activity will take approximately 45 minutes. Tools/resources required The construction is a fairly simple activity and can be undertaken by your KS3 students (as an after school activity or by a technician) Boat objects Stop Watch Graph Paper Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to explain when to use a bar chart and when they should be used to display categoric variables, they will be able to evaluate an experiment in terms of its reliability and precision and they will be able to apply scientific and mathematical understanding to an engineering context. All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Investigate the potential effects of mobile phones on our health The ‘Time for a game’ scheme of work provides an electronics systems context for students to explore infrared technologies. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity in which students will investigate the potential effects to health of the use of mobile phones and their transmitters, which use radio waves and microwaves to transmit information. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Analyse an existing product and how this could affect the design of a new product In this activity students will learn about ergonomics and design by analysing a wireless product using ACCESS FM. Learners will identify strengths and weaknesses and consider how to improve the product. Learning about ergonomics is a fantastic introduction to engineering for children, allowing them to step into the world of designing and improving products in a practical way. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It can be effectively taught within design technology (DT) as part of the curriculum for systems and control, electronic products, or product design, or through science. In this lesson, students will work in teams to conduct a product analysis of a provided wireless product, such as a TV with a remote control or a remote control car. What does ergonomics mean in design technology (DT)? In design technology (DT), ergonomics refers to the process of designing products, systems or processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people who use them. It’s about ensuring that designs align with the capabilities and limitations of the user, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety. The engineering context Ergonomics & design is a crucial aspect of engineering that focuses on the interaction between humans and the products, systems, or environments they use. It aims to improve these interactions by making them more comfortable, efficient, and safe. Learning about ACCESS FM helps aspiring engineers understand the multifaceted nature of product design. It equips them with the knowledge to consider all the different factors that can impact a product’s success, from its cost and aesthetics to its environmental impact and safety. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and effective designs. Suggested learning outcomes The completion of this activity will enable students to explain how the analysis of existing products could affect the design of a new product. Students will gain a deep understanding of product design principles, the factors that influence design decisions, and how improvements can be made based on thorough product analysis. Download our activity sheets for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Primary classroom poster highlighting the basic components and symbols in a circuit. Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Calculate tension force using pulleys In this practical activity two objects are connected via a string that passes over a pulley; then they are released from rest. Participants are tasked to use their knowledge of mechanics to predict the time taken for the heavier object to fall to the ground and the greatest height reached by the lighter object? Once each participant has made their calculations, complete the experiments, and compare to the predictions. This practical is designed to be easily set up and carried out in a maths classroom using simple equipment. It will help students to understand the mechanics topic of kinematics and constant acceleration equations in AS and A level Mathematics. The video features the equipment needed and the practical procedure. The teacher notes contain additional guidance on carrying out the activity, sample calculations and suggested points for discussion, as well as an indication of some relevant real-life applications. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Links to stream and download the videos can be found resources section below. Tools/resources required: Board 2 cup hooks 2 washing line pulleys Long piece of string with 3 loops in it 3 different masses, e.g. different coloured plasticine Pencil Ruler Tape measure/plumb line Protractor Kitchen scales Sticky tape And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation To watch a video about pulleys, please visit the IET Education website.

Primary classroom poster enabling your students to discover more about light and how it travels. Download the single poster here or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Primary classroom poster taking a closer look at the materials used to make each part of a tent and how these ensure the tent can function effectively. Download single poster here or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Secondary classroom poster where students can find out how designers use models to understand how their ideas will look and function. Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Secondary classroom poster where your students can find out about the equations and formulae needed for D&T. Download the single poster or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

Discussing how engineering can support urban growth This activity provides a quick, engaging introduction to a lesson, focusing on the link between sewage and the underground tunnel system. It encourages students to think about the role of engineers in providing us with healthy sanitation and waste-water disposal systems. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in science, geography, engineering or design and technology (DT). Activity: Discussing how engineering can support urban growth Students will investigate sewage tunnels that are being built under London by first watching our Shifting sewage film. Students will then consider how society has changed over time, to identify the influences that have resulted in the needs for the new tunnel. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on the engineering challenges that come with population growth. The engineering context As cities like London grow, the need for expanded sanitation systems need to be considered for the removal of urban waste. This can present logistical challenges as there will often be an existing waste tunnel system, along with transport networks such as the London underground, causing complexity. Engineers will therefore need to carefully consider several factors for new engineering projects that support population growth including geology, environmental impact, available technology, local disruption (and the political considerations that come with that) along with the existing infrastructure. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of the lesson students will appreciate the issues around developing new tunnel systems in their location. Download our activity sheet for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including video clips), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Design and build your own water filtration system Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to investigate different possible ways of filtering dirty water to improve its cleanliness by designing and building their own water filtration systems. The lesson can be extended with a practical session in which students work in small teams to investigate the salinity of different water samples – see the related extension activity ‘Water Treatment Systems’ within the related activities section below. The engineering context Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Engineers and scientists work to provide us with safe, clean drinking water, with efficient and clean methods for disposing of our waste water and practical drainage solutions. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to recall the different types of impurities that can contaminate water. As well as this, they’ll know how to describe how water filtration equipment acts in several different ways to produce potable (drinkable) water. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Find out the science behind ice During bad winters in the UK, we use nearly 2 million tonnes of salt to melt snow and ice. But how does salt melt ice? Watch our video and join Wilf Wonders as he explains the science behind melting ice and learn interesting fun facts that you can share this Christmas! Please do share your science highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Using directions to guide pupils through a maze from the haunted house back to their home In this fun Halloween maze game for kids, students will give each other instructions so that they can successfully navigate a Halloween table maze. This activity provides an engaging and practical way to test KS1 students’ maths knowledge as they will need to use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction, and movement. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on developing understanding of geometric directions and involves giving verbal instructions to allow learners to successfully complete a table maze. Clear instructions and correct vocabulary are important to ensure that the learners know how to complete the maze. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce geometry, position, and direction. This activity needs to be carried out in pairs. One member of the pair will give instructions, the other will use those instructions to navigate the maze. The learner being given the instructions must wear a blindfold. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard Make a maze with tables or use masking tape or other suitable method of marking out the maze layout. Blindfolds The engineering context When engineers program robots they need to be very clear in their instructions to avoid any confusion. For example, the Mars Rover must follow very detailed instructions to help it move safely on the planet and send back pictures. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to follow a set of verbal instructions to successfully navigate a maze, they will understand the importance of clear instructions when instructing others and they will be able to use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Use vacuum forming to make chocolate egg moulds In this Easter STEM project students will learn about the vacuum forming process and its applications. They will learn how to use a vacuum forming machine to produce a mould that they can then use to cast a handmade chocolate Easter egg. This challenge is aimed at secondary school students and could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the use of vacuum forming, or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering either manufacturing processes and techniques or the integration of different disciplines within Design and Technology. This is one of a set of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, Science and Mathematics. This resource focuses on using the vacuum forming process to create a mould for a chocolate Easter egg. Please note that this activity requires access to a workshop for vacuum forming and appropriate facilities for hygienic food preparation, such as a food technology room. In many school workshops there will only be one or two vacuum forming machines available for use. In this instance learners will need to take turns in using this equipment. They could be split into small groups to make this process less time consuming. This is a fun and engaging Easter STEM challenge and will take approximately 50-80 minutes to complete. Chocolate Easter Eggs Although chocolate was introduced to Europe in 1502, it was initially just made into drinks, like cocoa. Chocolate Easter eggs were first made in France and Germany in the 19th Century. The first chocolate egg in the UK was made in 1873 by J S Fry and Sons Limited. One of the challenges with making these eggs was to form their shape. Tools/resources required Half egg-shaped former Suitable material for forming, such as high impact polystyrene (HIP) Vacuum forming machine Stanley knife or other cutting tool suitable for trimming the edges of the formed plastic mould Chocolate for melting (either cooking chocolate or milk chocolate bars work well) The engineering context Engineers use vacuum forming for manufacturing a wide range of products, such as storage containers, children’s toys, baths, and food packaging. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this exercise students will have an understanding of the main stages of the vacuum forming process. They will also be able to use the vacuum forming process to create a mould for a chocolate Easter egg. Lastly, they will be able to cast a chocolate easter Egg from a vacuum formed model. Download the free activity sheets, along with a fun bonus crossword using the words from the activity to enhance learning. All activity sheets and supporting teacher notes, presentation and curriculum links are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.