A simple and fun science experiment about insulation, to see how blubber keeps penguins, whales, polar bears and seals warm in the North Pole. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the festive period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, Science, Mathematics and Engineering. In this activity, students will construct a straightforward model of a polar animal and use this to investigate how they keep themselves warm. They will understand how well a layer of blubber can insulate an animal and how the heat loss is reduced against an uninsulated animal. This is a versatile activity that could serve as a main lesson activity to teach about insulation and heat transfer. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning, focusing on how animals react to the world around them. This activity could be carried out in pairs or small groups. The teacher presentation covers the main activity on slides 1 to 11, and the subsequent slides are extension work and links. Resources required An empty margarine tub A full margarine tub A large flat dish Warm water Cold water with ice A thermometer A stopwatch or smart watch timer Graph paper Pencils and differently coloured pencil crayons The engineering context Engineers must be able to investigate the natural world to understand how it works. This allows them to design solutions that benefit and learn from the environment, such as suits for divers that can keep them warm. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand how polar animals keep warm in very cold conditions, they will be able to understand what blubber is and how it helps polar animals to survive, and they will be able to record experiment data using tables and graphs. Download the How polar animals keep warm activity sheets for free! 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. Oh ho ho please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Evaluate strength and durability of materials that Santa could use as wrapping paper This fun and festive activity is suitable for 5-11-year-olds and will take approximately 1-2 hours to complete. What equipment will you need? At least six different types of wrapping paper. You can use more if you like (try and find ones which feel and look different, such as shiny metallic paper or tissue paper.), Some tape for wrapping, A large bin liner or a Christmas sack if you have one Five bricks/ large stones of equal size. (It works best if they aren’t perfectly smooth or round.) How to do it Step 1 – Wrap up each brick or stone with a different piece of wrapping paper. These will be your ‘presents’. Step 2 – Put them all in the sack together. Step 3 – Ask an adult to act as Santa and shake the sack for 30 seconds as though carrying it around. You could sing Christmas songs while you are doing it. Step 4 – Take each ‘present’ out and look at it carefully. Record any changes in the wrapping paper on a results sheet. These are your observations. Step 5 – Put them all back into the sack and get your helper to shake them again. Step 6 – Complete step 5 another three times (if your presents survive the shaking!). Record any changes each time. Once you have determined which paper would be best, you could write a letter (or even a poem) to Santa to let him know how you tested the paper and which paper you think he should use. You can also look at packaging materials to see which protects items delivered by courier or the post the best. For full instructions, download the worksheet and lesson plan for free! 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. Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Get creative with crafts this Christmas and build a beautiful mobile inspired by the winter holidays A versatile lesson for teaching about constructing robust structures and the principles of balance. It can be incorporated into a broader curriculum on design and technology, emphasising making and assembly skills. Learners will be encouraged to collect a variety of natural materials that they can use to craft a Christmas mobile. This homemade mobile will make a great sustainable Christmas decoration for the home or classroom. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow students to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, and Engineering. The IET Education resource: Homemade Christmas decoration can be combined with this activity to create one of the hanging ornaments. The time and resources required for this activity will vary depending on the types and quantities of decorations. We recommend using one of the following suggestions to make your mobile: Fir/pine cones - Cones that have been collected previously and allowed to dry out are the best. They take paint well if dry and can look effective with decoration. Keep the hanging loops long. Small fir trees - These are simple to construct. Clay star - This will be a heavy element for the mobile. The impact of different weights on the mobile should be considered. Bolts do not have to be used if not available. Pipe cleaner star - Learners may need additional assistance with measuring the length of the pipe cleaner to split it into five. Using natural materials will give a unique, designer effect, but shop-bought decorations can be mixed in if time is short. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what makes a structure strong, they will be able to understand the concept of balancing, and they will be able to make a strong, well-balanced and visually attractive Christmas mobile. 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. Oh ho ho, and please do share your inspiring creative crafts with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM. https://education.theiet.org/primary/teaching-resources/create-your-own-winter-mobile/

Learn about simple mechanisms and make an animal that moves in this fun and creative activity for kids! Students will use templates to help them cut out the parts for a DIY cardboard animal, and they will make the parts of a simple mechanism using cams and linkages, which will be attached to a round shaft made from a skewer; This will allow the legs of the animal to move up and down slowly. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about simple mechanisms and how the direction of motion can change from rotary to reciprocating. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology, which could be carried out individually or in pairs. The teacher presentation could be left on the whiteboard as a supporting guide as they do this. Learners may need assistance cutting the cardboard to ensure the cuts are accurate. As an optional extension activity, learners could add their own designs to their animal’s body and legs. Keeping the white paper template stuck to the legs allows them to be decorated as desired. Tools/resources required Card tubes Wooden skewers Glue sticks/ glue sticky tack Cardboard Brass split pin fasteners The engineering context Mechanisms are used in almost every moving product, ranging from trains and cars to washing machines and door handles that must be pushed down to open, see-saws and scissors. They either transmit motion or change it in some way, increasing or decreasing its strength, quality, or type. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand that a linkage and cam can create movement, they will be able to make an amazing animal from graphics materials, and they will be able to use cams and linkage to make the legs move on the amazing animal. Download the Animal graphics project activity sheet for free! 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.

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.

Investigate light and reflection by making a periscope. In this fun activity for kids, students will learn about the reflection of light in a mirror and make and use a periscope. Learners will have an opportunity to practice making a periscope from a card net. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce light and build on experiences to explain how light travels. Alternatively, it could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on understanding the use of nets in maths. Activity: How to make a periscope This activity is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science, design and technology and maths. This resource explores what happens when light reflects off a mirror or other reflective surface. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own Pixie Periscope! The best results are obtained using small plastic mirrors (for example, cut from silver acrylic mirror sheets or extracted from toy compacts). If aluminium foil is used, care must be taken to ensure that this is very flat and the shiny side is used for the reflection; however, the observed image’s quality is likely still significantly reduced. Resources required Small plastic mirrors (best method) - if not available use aluminium foil (note: reflection is reduced) Scissors Card Glue sticks, sticky tape Double-sided sticky tape Rulers The engineering context Engineers need to understand how light travels and is reflected off surfaces; This is vital when engineers design rear-view mirrors for cars, periscopes for submarines and giant telescopes to look at the stars. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what happens when light is reflected off a mirror, and they will be able to make a periscope from a net. Download the free How to make a periscope 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. 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.

**In this engaging activity learners will have fun with science by making invisible ink from lemon juice mixed with water. ** Learners will then have the opportunity to write secret messages to their friends. Finally, they will use heat to reveal the messages. This is one of a set of free STEM resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within Mathematics and Design and Technology. This resource can be carried out either in school or at home. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about how substances can change colour when heated. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Lemons of bottle of lemon juice Water Small bowls Cotton buds/paint brushes White paper Hairdryer or lamp The engineering context Engineers are able to use colour changing chemicals to show that something is present. For example, bioengineers working with soil use litmus paper to see if the soil is acidic. Blue litmus paper turns red when it is placed in acidic soil. Materials engineers have created smart materials that can change their properties – for example, thermochromic pigment is used in food packaging to change colour when the food is heated to the correct temperature. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will know that some substances change colour when heated, they will be able to make invisible ink from lemon juice and they will be able to write secret messages. Download the free Making invisible ink 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. 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.

Learn how to make a shadow puppet for Halloween using card, craft sticks and sticky tape This resource focuses on making shadow puppets and developing supporting knowledge about the relationship between light and shadow. 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 design and technology and science. This could be used as a one-off activity in D&T or science and is designed to be carried out individually. The ‘character’ for the puppet made by each learner could be based on personal preference or could be linked to learning in literacy – for example, a character from ‘Wind in the Willows’ if that book is being studied. If linked in this way, the activity could be carried out in small teams, with each team member making a different character from the story. Additional time could be allowed to research the character for the puppet. The shape of the puppet could be taken from the associated handout, from outlines of images found on the internet, or drawn by hand by the learners. This is an engaging and practical exercise for KS2 that will develop students’ science knowledge and encourage their creativity. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 20-40 minutes to complete. It should be noted that there are options presented in the activity sheet which could extend the time needed to carry out this activity. Tools/resources required Card (photocopies of handouts, if used) Masking tape Craft sticks Tracing paper (for screen) Large boxes (for extension activity) Scissors Torches The engineering context Engineers need to understand how light behaves when designing products for many practical applications. For example, when designing buildings, they may consider the provision of windows and artificial lighting; and when designing cars, they may consider the power and position of both internal and external lights and the placement of mirrors. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will know that blocking the path of light causes a shadow and to be able to use scissors to make a graphic product. This resource focuses on making shadow puppets and developing supporting knowledge about the relationship between light and shadow. 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.

Grow grass in a terrarium to use on a football pitch on the Moon In this activity learners will make use of the theme of football on the moon to make an experiment of terrarium, so that grass can be grown for a lunar football game. This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of football on the moon to develop their knowledge and skills in Science, Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on making a closed terrarium with glass jars to show how grass could be grown on the moon, therefore overcoming some of the external temperature issues of growing grass in this environment. The teacher will introduce the activity and the theme of travelling to the moon, before discussing the challenge with learners. Teachers can carry out demonstrations at stages throughout the lesson to show what is required and check that all learners understand and carry actions out in the correct order. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing pre-measured amounts of materials and marked jars for learners to fill to. As an extension students can discuss and experiment with the effects of rotating the jars. What would happen if this didn’t take place? Students could also have a go at identifying other plants that could be grown in the terrarium for use on the moon e.g. food plants. This activity is designed to take between 35-65 minutes plus growing time and of course, caring for your terrarium. Tools/resources required Clean jam jar and lid Activated charcoal Stones Soil Grass seed The engineering context Travelling and potentially living on the moon presents all sorts of challenges for engineers to overcome. For example, how will we breathe, how will we cope with much lower gravity, how will we play sports and keep fit? How will we grow plants, grass and food? Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand the concept of living organisms surviving on the Moon; set up an experiment to grow grass in a terrarium and be able to evaluate the findings of the experiment. 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.

Make a jigsaw that shows the main elements in power generation and transmission In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the National Grid to complete a labelled jigsaw of the main parts of the electricity distribution network. They will assemble the different pieces into an image of the National Grid network and use labelled cards to identify each part. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within Design & Technology, Science, and Engineering. This resource, developed with the support of National Grid ESO, focusses on learners developing knowledge of the different parts of the National Grid by completing a jigsaw of it. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day. The teacher will explain the purpose of the National Grid and how it works before setting the students with the task of completing the jigsaw and then reviewing responses and discussing outcomes on completion of the work. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by using the jigsaw template with the labels already added. As an extension students could try using the internet to identify the different methods used to generate electricity, and then discussing what the advantages and disadvantages are of each method. Students could also investigate what a transformer is used for and find out why it is needed. This activity is designed to take between 25-40 minutes. Tools/resources required Card for the jigsaw image and labels Laminating facilities (if the jigsaws are to be re-used with different classes) The engineering context It is important that all engineers understand how products and systems are powered. This includes how electricity is generated, transmitted and made available for us to use in our homes and businesses. Power engineering is a very important field which focusses on how energy is generated and transmitted. There are lots of well-paid and rewarding careers available in this area. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to assemble a jigsaw of the National Grid and be able to identify each of the main parts. Students should also be able to describe the purpose of each stage of the National Grid network. 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.

Investigating how carbon dioxide affects temperature In this activity learners will discover the effects of mixing chemicals and the warming effects of the sun. They will undertake a controlled experiment to investigate how gases in the atmosphere affect the heat in an enclosed environment. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of the earth’s atmosphere, or as part of a series of lessons investigating environmental issues, the effect of global warming and greenhouse gasses. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within Design & Technology, Science, Maths and Humanities. This resource, developed with the support of National Grid ESO, in a practical experiment that investigates how the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide affects the temperature is a closed environment. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing learners with pre-prepared jars and cling film. This activity is designed to take between 50-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required 4 large empty jars Cling film Scissors Masking tape Permanent marker Bicarbonate of soda White vinegar Measuring cups and spoons Elastic bands Thermometers (non-contact infra-red type preferred; if using a traditional contact type one thermometer will be needed for each jar) Heat source (radiator with a flat top or a sunny window) The engineering context Many human activities result in emissions of greenhouse gases. These can have a significant effect changing the climate and weather conditions that we experience. There is a wide range of possible ways to reduce these emissions. Engineers play a huge role in such areas, developing and implementing processes and materials that produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions, such as sustainable methods of power generation. Engineers also have a significant social influence on our behaviours as a society when we consider the future implications of our actions and consumption. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and be able to make a reaction between 2 materials/chemicals. 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.

Making a model of a hydraulic boat lift using syringes This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Engineering and Science. This resource is based on the Anderton boat lift and the use of hydraulic systems. The teacher will first discuss what is meant by a hydraulic system and how they are used in engineering applications such as cranes and brakes. The teacher will then demonstrate the steps shown in the presentation to make the model boat lift. Learners will then carry out the activity and produce their own models before showing their boat lift models to peers and asking what could be improved. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by pre-cutting the templates and corrugated cardboard to size. An exemplar model could be used to illustrate what the final boat life should look like. Print out the handout for learners to cut out and use the templates. As an extension students could investigate how much the boat lift can lift. This activity is designed to take between 45-70 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Corrugated cardboard sheets 10 ml syringes Cable ties (Size: 20 cm length) 3 mm clear plastic tube Water and measuring jugs Food dye Pencils Sticky tack Adhesive Masking tape, sticky tape or hot glue gun (optional) Craft knife and cutting mat (teacher only) The engineering context The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts. Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to know the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic systems; know that 3D shapes can be constructed using templates; and be able to make a model of a simple boat lift model using syringes. 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.

Using Archimedes’ principle to investigate why boats float In this activity learners will learn what is meant by density. Learners will perform an experiment to see whether modelling clay moulded into different shapes either sinks or floats. They will discuss why this happens and how the principle demonstrated allows boats to stay afloat. This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource focuses on understanding density and, through practical measurement, working out which materials are low and high density, and which will therefore float or sink. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a mould to make the boat shape from the modelling clay or by pre-measuring the mass of modelling clay used. As an extension students could try adding small items into the modelling clay boat. How much weight can it carry before it sinks? Calculate the density of the ball and the boat shape made from modelling clay. This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes. Tools/resources required Bowls and trays Science beakers/Measuring jugs Weighing scales Water Modelling clay The engineering context The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts. Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how Archimedes’ principle works; that is two things are the same size, the one that is denser is heavier; and how boats use the Archimedes principle to stay afloat. 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.

Create a portrait of King Charles III using reused and recycled material There is a long tradition of portraits of the reigning monarch being painted and displayed in the royal palaces. They are also seen on a daily basis, with the reigning monarch being portrayed on stamps and currency. King Charles III is known for his commitment to environmental issues and passion for a greener world and this project also links into sustainability as the portrait will be made by using reused and recycled materials and develops knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Maths and Art. This project allows schools to decide on materials and scale depending on resources and facilities. The teacher will first explain what a portrait is and why kings and queens have them painted, drawn or photographed using examples from the presentation. The learners will then take some time to study their own faces using a mirror, looking closely at facial features and discussing which reused or recycled materials could be suitable for different features, colours and textures, thinking about how they can make a portrait. Learners will then design and make their royal portraits, with the option to scale up as a class to create a large-scale portrait at the end if desired. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a template with outlines of the head and main features to guide learners where to place materials. As an extension students could add a background to the portrait and/or add additional features such as King Charles III name, the things he likes or an environmental message. Teachers could also fly a drone over the large scale portrait to get an image of it that can be shared with the school in an assembly or parent event. Tools/resources required Mirrors Paper and card, A4 squared paper Drawing instruments, such as pencils, colouring pencils, pens and rulers Scissors Glue sticks Portrait template (optional, for differentiation) A range of reused and recycled materials. For extension activities: chalk or masking tape, a drone Example portraits (if available) The engineering context All designers and engineers need to be able to produce ideas related to certain themes and follow a design brief. This ensures that the products they design will meet the needs of the end users, customers or clients. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to design from a brief; gather suitable materials and explore how they might be used to create a collage portrait; and create a visual outcome using recycled and reused materials. 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 share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Making an Easter bunny puppet with moving arms and legs In this activity students will learn about simple mechanisms using linkages made from paper products. Learners will have an opportunity to use a template to help them cut out the parts for a cardboard Easter bouncing bunny. This fun STEM challenge aimed at primary school children could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about linkages. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on building a card structure, which uses linkages to make the limbs of a bunny move. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own Easter bouncing bunny. Learners will complete each step for themselves. Once everyone has made their bouncing bunny, the teacher will discuss the results of the activity with learners. The teacher will also explain how linkages are used to make objects move. Download the free activity sheet for more detailed instructions, teachers notes and for optional extension work. Also includes a fun bonus activity to enhance sticky learning. This exercise will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes. Tools/resources required Glue sticks Card or cardboard Scissors String Brass fasteners Pencils Erasers/sticky tack Elastic bands The engineering context Engineers must have a good understanding of mechanisms. Mechanisms are used in every machine that has moving parts, from trains, cars, and washing machines to a space rocket. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students should be able to understand how to use a linkage to create movement and they will be able to make and assemble a bouncing bunny with moving arms and legs. 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.

Measuring the density of materials to choose which to use in an aircraft. In this activity learners will discover the density of materials through testing. Learners will have an opportunity to weigh and work out the volume of an object. They will use this information and their number skills to calculate the density. They will then repeat this for other objects and discuss their results as a class. You will need: Range of different materials to test Bowls and trays Science beakers/Measuring jugs Weighing scales Water 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

**This activity introduces the concept of force and motion and energy transfer through the making of a rotary water-powered ‘hero’ engine. ** This resource focusses on a water-powered ‘hero’ rotary engine, which converts water pressure to rotary motion. Devices of this type, called aeolipiles, were described by the mathematician Hero of Alexandria around 2100 years ago. These operated on the same principle but used water that was heated to make steam, rather than just water pressure. You will need: Empty plastic one litre bottles String or thread Sticky tack Drinking straws Felt tipped pens Scissors Rulers Sharp point, such as a bradawl, large needle or metal skewer Stopwatch (for extension activity). 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 do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

Evaluating materials for a heat shield to prevent a piece of chocolate from melting The Solar Orbiter has to get very close to the Sun’s surface to observe how it works. It needs a heat shield, so its systems do not get too hot and melt. This fun activity make use of the theme of the future of flight to design, make and test a heat shield to prevent a piece of chocolate from melting. Test different materials to see which protects the chocolate the best and discuss their results. You will need: Polystyrene cups Scissors Materials for heat shields (e.g. milk bottle plastic, cardboard, metal foil, metal mesh) Chocolate pieces Hairdryer Stopwatch or timer Additional equipment that could be used: Thermometer Ruler Heat mats to place polystyrene cups on Oven gloves/cloths/tongs 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

A project to measure the velocity of balloon rockets. In this fun activity, learners will make a balloon rocket and carry out timed tests to calculate the velocity of the balloon. This activity introduces the concept of flight, speed and energy through the making of a balloon rocket. You will need: Balloons of various shapes Balloon pump String Scissors Sticky tape Thin card/paper Pencil Stopwatch/timing device Measuring tape (5 m) Calculators 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 with us on social media @IETeducation

Learn about states of matter while having fun with bubbles It’s fun to blow bubbles but they usually don’t last very long and are very easy to pop. In this Christmas STEM activity, students will create a frozen bubble using golden syrup and washing up liquid. This activity will get students thinking about the different states of matter, evaporation and molecules 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