Using static electricity to make tissue paper cats ‘pounce’ onto a balloon 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 maths and science. This resource focuses on making tissue paper cats ‘pounce’ and stick to a balloon through the build-up of static electricity. This activity could be used as a main activity to introduce the concept of static electricity, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on electricity and its uses. Learners will first cut their tissue paper into small cat shapes. They could use different coloured tissue paper to make different coloured cats for more visual interest. Learners will then blow up and tie their balloons. The balloon should be blown up fully and tied so that no air can escape. If learners struggle to do this, the teacher could complete this step in advance. Alternatively, clips could be provided to seal the balloons. Learners will rub their balloon against their jumper several times to ‘charge’ it with static electricity. Following this, they can hold their balloon just above their tissue paper cat shapes. The cats should ‘pounce’ onto the balloon and stick to it. Why do you think the cats ‘pounce’ and stick to the balloon? How close does the balloon need to be for the cats to pounce? What is causing this to happen? This activity will take approximately 30-50 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Balloons Tissue paper Scissors The engineering context Engineers use knowledge of science concepts in their everyday work to ensure they produce solutions that are safe, functional and meet the needs of their clients. A good grasp of basic concepts, such as how electricity and static electricity works, is therefore very important. Electrical engineers use their knowledge of how electricity works to develop new electrical products and systems. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will have an understanding of the causes and effects of static electricity, they will understand how to use a balloon and a jumper to create static electricity and they will know that static electricity can be used to make paper stick to a balloon. Download the Static electricity experiment activity sheets for free! 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

In this simple STEM activity for kids learners will investigate how a balloon can be used as a simple speaker. They will blow up the balloon, tap it and listen to how to sounds travel through it. They will then discuss the outcome of their experiment and explain why the balloon speaker works in the way that it does. This activity could be used as a starter activity to introduce the concept of sound and how it travels, or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on sound. Activity: Balloon speakers This is one of a set of free 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 using a balloon as a simple speaker to amplify sound. What happens when you tap the balloon? What can you hear and feel? Why do you think this is happening? This is a quick and easy STEM activity that will take approximately 15 – 20 minutes. The engineering context Engineers must understand how speakers work in order to successfully design products that use them, such as phones, music players and TVs. Sound engineers must understand how sound can be amplified and transmitted from one place to another. For example, at a concert. Understanding how speakers work is a very important part of this. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this exercise students will know that vibrations from sounds travel through a medium in the ear. They will also be able to use a balloon as a simple speaker and explain how it works. Lastly, they will understand how pushing air closely together affects the volume of sound travelling through it. Download the Balloon speakers 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. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Investigate the photovoltaic effect and manufacture a simple circuit in this free activity. In this engaging task, students will explore the photovoltaic effect by creating a simple circuit and incorporating it into a product—specifically, a solar-powered version of the well-known jitterbug project called a “solarbug” This activity can serve as a targeted hands-on exercise for subjects like Electronics or Product Design under the umbrella of Design & Technology. Alternatively, it could be included as a component of a study on the application of solar energy in the field of science. Activity: Solar power in space Photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, are used as a power source by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This activity is one of a set of STEM resources developed with the theme of the James Webb Space Telescope to support the teaching of Science, Design & Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The ‘Photovoltaic cells’ scheme of work involves investigating how photovoltaic cells are used and then using this technology to make a series of increasingly complex electronic circuits. What is the James Webb Space Telescope? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. It is a monumental leap in space exploration, building on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is the next great space science observatory, with a primary mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It will address lingering questions and achieve groundbreaking revelations across all fields of astronomy. The JWST is equipped with a suite of cutting-edge instruments that will allow it to study the universe in unprecedented detail. These instruments will help us better understand the Solar System, the formation of stars and planets, and the evolution of galaxies. The JWST is a revolutionary telescope that will blaze new trails in exploration. It is already making headlines with its first images, and it is sure to continue to amaze us for years to come. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how photovoltaic cells work, how they can be used in a circuit and how to make a simple circuit. The engineering context The James Webb Space Telescope uses photovoltaic cells as its power source. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Examine the materials used on the James Webb Space Telescope in this free activity. In this engaging STEM activity for KS3, we will delve into the groundbreaking technologies used in the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), one of humanity’s most impressive space observatories. As budding engineers, students will have the unique opportunity to investigate the engineered materials that make the JWST a marvel of modern engineering. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the telescope’s incredible capabilities, discover the innovative materials that withstand the harsh conditions of space, and gain a deeper understanding of how scientific ingenuity allows us to peer into the universe’s farthest reaches. Activity: Investigate the James Webb Space Telescope In this activity, students will investigate an engineered material and share the results of their research with the class. This unit has a predominantly design & technology, and engineering focus, although it could be used in science. It could also be used as a main lesson or a research activity to develop an understanding of materials and their properties. What is the James Webb Space Telescope? The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most powerful telescope ever to be launched into space. It is a monumental leap in space exploration, building on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope. The JWST is the next great space science observatory, with a primary mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe. It will address lingering questions and achieve groundbreaking revelations across all fields of astronomy. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand that materials can be selected for specific characteristics and purposes, they will be able to identify the properties of materials required for a particular function, and they will be able to explore a range of engineered materials, understanding why they are used. The engineering context The materials students will examine are used in the JWST or aerospace applications. Download the free activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Explore energy transfer and energy efficiency using wind turbines The concept of energy transfer is brought to life in this activity, showing students how the kinetic energy of wind can be harnessed to power homes and businesses. Windmills and wind turbines are based upon the principle of trying to create a shape where air flow causes the maximum possible change in kinetic energy. The hands-on nature of this task, which involves modifying a basic wind turbine to generate electricity, will appeal to students’ curiosity and creativity. 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). Tools/resources needed Electric fans Turbines at 5 angles (Most blades can be bought as kits, or partial kits can be purchased where students can build their own blades) Wires Rulers Crocodile clips Voltmeter Ammeter or multimeter Model Generator Activity: Explore energy transfer and energy efficiency using wind turbines This activity gives students the opportunity to explore how the energy efficiency of turbines is directly affected by their design (shape and angle, which can be determined through the study of aerodynamics). The engineering context This activity provides a real-world context, introducing students to the principles of aerodynamics and energy efficiency in engineering design. As they explore how the shape and angle of turbine blades affect energy conversion, they’re learning vital principles relevant to fields such as renewable energy engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students should be able to describe how energy is transferred using turbines and explain the importance of efficiency in devices. They will have designed an investigation to determine the relationship between efficiency and turbine design (shape and angle). Students will also have developed critical thinking skills as they control variables and analyse results to improve accuracy. In addition, they’ll gain a broader understanding of renewable energy resources, highlighting the need to develop alternative ways to generate electricity. 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, 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.

Compare different types of electromagnetic waves The electromagnetic spectrum is a fundamental part of our universe, influencing everything from the warmth of sunlight to the functionality of our electronics. This activity delves into different types of electromagnetic waves and their everyday applications. It ties into key concepts like the electromagnetic spectrum, infra-red, wave, and frequency. By investigating the technology used in the Nintendo Wii and designing an interactive ‘tag’ game, students will enjoy a hands-on, practical approach to learning. 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 Binary numbers. 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 and design and technology (DT). Activity: Compare different types of electromagnetic waves This is an engaging activity in which students investigate the technology used in the Nintendo Wii, exploring infrared communication. They can then apply this knowledge and understanding into the design of an interactive ‘tag’ game. Download our activity overview and PowerPoint presentation for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students how to compare different types of electromagnetic waves. The engineering context Learning about the electromagnetic spectrum introduces them to principles critical to electrical and telecommunications engineering, such as understanding wave behaviour and frequencies. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will gain a solid understanding of how light and infrared travel as waves. They will comprehend the electromagnetic spectrum and its applications, as well as understand the link between frequency and wavelength. Furthermore, this activity nurtures critical thinking and independent investigation skills, providing a broader understanding of communication methods and technologies. 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, 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.

In this activity students will consider the heating effects of infrared energy, and how this is used in a range of products. They will then develop an experiment to measure the heat output from different devices. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in science (specifically physics) and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Considering the heating effects of infrared energy and how this is used in a range of products At the start of the activity students will brainstorm different ways energy appears in the home and what colour they associate with heat. In pairs, students will then discuss the ultimate fate of most energy (becoming heat) and why devices like TVs and computers get warm. They’ll view our Cooking Devices presentation to identify the energy used to heat food. They’ll also examine appliances that produce infrared heat before designing an experiment to measure how much heat different devices produce. Results must be recorded using our Results Table worksheet so that they can be analysed in terms of which devices heat most effectively. Students will then be asked a series of questions which reflect on how infrared energy is connected to the temperature changes. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on infrared energy. The engineering context Understanding the principles of infrared heat can lead engineers to create and improve devices that warm objects directly, unlike convection heating which heats the air around an object. Suggested learning outcomes At the end of this lesson students will know how light and infrared travels as a wave. They’ll also understand the electromagnetic spectrum and its applications., as well as convection and the link between frequency and wavelength. 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, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Exploring the movement of a human arm for robotics design This is an engaging starter activity in which students examine how human arms move. Learners will also discover how this movement can be replicated with a mechanical arm using a smart material. Students can then subsequently use this information to support the design of a robot arm. This lesson can be followed by 3D modelling, which looks at designing and modelling a 3D robot arm and build a robot arm, which looks at how to make a robot arm with carboard. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in science (specifically biology), engineering and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Exploring the movement of a human arm for robotics design By examining the movement of their own arms, students will learn how robot arms might be designed and how smart materials can play a role. Students will first bend their arms and be asked to monitor and describe the mechanics involved (muscles, joints, etc.). They will then consider how this natural bending motion can inspire the design of robot arms. Learns will be introduced to shape memory alloy (SMA) springs, which can be deformed or stretched and then revert back to their original shape when heated (this can be achieved using an electrical current). Finally, students will be tasked with explaining how SMAs could be used to create movement in a robot arm. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on the movement of a human arm. The engineering context Robot arms are an example of a programmable system. They are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, ranging from assembling cars to spray-painting products. They’re also used in more dangerous applications for humans such as bomb disposal and repairing space craft as they orbit the earth. Suggested learning outcomes Students will learn that a human arm moves due to the contraction of muscles, and they’ll understand that a robot arm can also use contraction or rotation to achieve movement. Finally, they’ll learn that shape memory alloys can revert to a previous shape when heated. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources 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.

In this activity, students will design a fun infrared ‘tag’ game. It ideally needs to be preceded by our input, process and output activity as students must draw on their earlier work for designing the game. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in engineering and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Designing an infrared ‘tag’ game Students will design a new version of the classic tag game using their electronics knowledge to create a fun interactive experience. Learners will review our design brief to design a novelty “tag” game using emitter and detector circuits (which have been tested previously in input, process and output) to indicate when a player is “tagged”. The game needs to be easy to use and playable both indoors and outdoors. As a class, students will review the key requirements of the brief and discuss these in pairs. They will then draw their design ideas with annotations. From their ideas, they’ll select one design for modelling using 3D CAD software. Finally, they should present their idea to the class for feedback on how it can be improved. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on designing a fun infrared tag game. The engineering context Infrared technology has been used in the design of all sorts of fun devices, from TV remote controls to Wii remotes, mobile devices, and laser tag games. By understanding how this technology works, learners can start their journey to potential careers in computer games engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this lesson, students will be able to analyse a design brief. They’ll also be able to explain how research findings affect design ides as well as be able to generate ideas for a product. Finally, they’ll be able to produce a 3D CAD model of a design idea. 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, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation and please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

This activity makes students aware that when they watch TV, or use the phone, there is a huge expensive communications infrastructure that needs to be paid for and maintained. Living in a highly technological world, where access to information and entertainment is at our fingertips, the Inform and Entertain Me topic is a gateway to engage and introduce students to the principles and technology that form the basis for communication devices that are used in our everyday lives. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in science and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Learning about the infrastructure technology that keeps phones, computers and WiFi working This activity gives students an understanding of the technological infrastructure that lets mobile phones and other communication devices connect to one another. Students will first view our infrastructure presentation, which explains the various components needed for communication networks (e.g., cell towers, base stations, cables, etc.). They will then investigate online how mobile phone networks and other communications systems work. Students must create either a flow chart or a diagram that shows how these networks operate, explaining the key steps involved in the process. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on infrastructure. The engineering context We need a robust infrastructure network if we’re to connect people and businesses regardless of their location. Engineers must work to ensure fast and dependable data transmission for our TV, radio and internet signals – much of which drives the entertainment that we all enjoy. It also underpins communication and data transfer for much of our essential services besides giving us a comfortable standard of living. Suggested learning outcomes In this activity, students will learn about artificial and geostationary satellites and their uses. They’ll make decisions about the use of modern communications technology based on social, environmental, and economic factors. 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, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation and please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity students will use case studies to investigate how architectural and building issues can be resolved. It can accompany our Structural engineering starter and How to design a spaghetti roof structure activities as part of a series of activities that explores structural engineering. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Exploring how architectural and building issues can be resolved through real-life case studies Students will view the design of the O2 arena by watching our Sound design video. They will also investigate the design of Stanstead Airport by viewing our structural engineering presentation. They will look specifically at the requirements of the buildings and the constraints in terms of structural design. They will also explore the design solutions used to overcome potential issues. This will form the stimulus for students to investigate structures in detail. The students will then be asked to explore possible solutions to a given structural design challenges. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on structural engineering for free! The engineering context Iconic structures don’t just happen by accident. When designing large buildings, there will often be challenges that need problem solving such as eliminating columns for large open spaces. Engineers need structural knowledge to be able to create innovative designs that are safe, functional, and aesthetic. Suggested learning outcomes Students will learn how to identify the key features of structural components. They’ll also know how to identify the various pressures a structural element can undergo and then apply their knowledge of structure to design an effective solution to overcome specific issues. Download our activity sheet and other 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 video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan below. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Learning about how wireless technology can used for personal health care In this activity students will discover how wireless electronic systems can be used to improve health care. This topic investigates the driving technology behind body centric communications. Students will explore current health applications of wireless health care devices and learn about the possibilities for the future as well as the ethical issues surrounding these advancements. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology (DT) and science. Activity: Learning about how wireless technology can used for personal health care Students will firstly work through our Pacemaker case study, where they must explain why someone with a pacemaker needs to be cautious around certain sources of radiofrequency energy. They will then draw a labelled diagram of a heart, pacemaker, and connecting wire (BCA), with annotations explaining how the pacemaker helps with heart problems. Students will then review our Body Centric Antenna (BCA) case study where a BCA increases the speed at which data can be made available to health professionals. After reading the case study, students must produce then a short leaflet that explains the potential health benefits of BCAs. Download our activity overview for an introductory lesson plan on wearable healthcare technology for free! The engineering context Body centric communications have abundant applications in personal healthcare, smart homes, personal entertainment, identification systems, space exploration and the military. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will understand that an electronic decision-making system consists of an input, a processor, and an output. They will also know that changes in physical factors will result in an energy transfer in a transducer (i.e., a transducer can be used as a sensor). Finally, they will be introduced to some of the social uses of electronic systems in health care. Download our activity sheet and other 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, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. You can download our classroom lesson plan for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Develop an understanding of levers and build a popsicle stick catapult from craft sticks with this free STEM lesson plan. This is an exciting and engaging way to learn about physics and engineering. With the right materials, build a simple yet effective catapult capable of launching chocolate eggs up into the air! This lesson plan is perfect for KS3 students and can be used as a fun one-off main activity to introduce levers. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource involves making a simple catapult which works as a lever to propel a chocolate or mini egg. This activity will take approximately 50 – 70 minutes to complete. Also included is a fun crossword using words from the activity to promote sticking learning. Tools/resources required Craft sticks (at least 7 per learner) Small elastic bands (at least 7 per learner, plus spares) A teaspoon (metal or plastic) Chocolate mini eggs (or similar) For the extension activity: Pencils (or similar, such as dowel rods) Elastic bands The engineering context Levers are one of the simplest machines and are used in many applications. These include pliers, scissors, brake pedals and wheels and axles. The principles of levers are also used in many applications when designing sports equipment, such as cricket bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks. Suggested learning outcomes After completing this Easter themed engineering resource students will be able to describe the three classes of lever and they will be able to make a structure. Download the free Build a popsicle stick catapult 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

Design a sports wheelchair for a Marathon race This activity is focused on the design of racing wheelchairs, but also develops understanding about the use of search engines. It considers the use of different search terms when using internet-based research using search engines and how this affects the outcomes of the search. The main activity involves designing a racing wheelchair considering key aspects to enhance its performance. The first London Marathon wheelchair race took place in 1983 in which 19 people took part with 17 completing the race. The winner, Gordon Perry, set a winning time of just over 3 hours and 20 minutes. With the advancements in engineering and technology since that date, wheelchair racing has come a long way, and in 2021, Marcel Hug won the London Marathon’s men’s wheelchair race setting a new course record with a time of just over 1 hour and 26 minutes! Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will use the theme of the London Marathon to respond to a design context, investigate the context on the internet and design a wheelchair for sports use. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to develop skills in designing. It could also be used to teach learners about how to search the internet effectively to gain the information that is most applicable to their requirements. 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. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Tools/resources required Pens, pencils and drawing instruments Computer access for internet searching 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.

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 to KS3 science materials Using the short video ‘Bionic Limbs’, this activity is a quick, engaging introduction to a KS3 science materials lesson looking at the properties of modern materials. It encourages students to think about how technology is changing our society by generating their own ideas for prosthetic devices that they think will be realistic in the near future. There are takeaways for KS4 biology and KS3 product design. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, 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 sheet and quiz 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.

Explore the body parts that can be replaced with prosthetic devices With the constant advancement in materials and prosthetic technology, this engineering activity for kids explores different materials and their suitability in the use of prosthetics for different body parts. Students will gather data on different materials to create a presentation that can be used to discuss new materials and the part that they play in the development of prosthetic devices. This free STEM resource is aimed at secondary school students. Students will be encouraged to think about how technology is changing our society. This lesson can be introduced by talking about skeletons. An anatomical skeleton can be used as a prop. Do you know what can be done when joints wear out in our skeletons? Students will be divided into teams and asked to come up with a list of body parts that can be replaced with prosthetic devices. Each team will explain their results to the rest of the class. Students can vote for the device they think is most likely to be made in the future. This activity will take roughly 15 minutes to complete. The engineering context 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 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. The resources within this, and the related activities, encourage students to investigate the properties of smart materials and carry out some data manipulation. Students will also explore the possible moral and ethical issues associated with people potentially choosing to replace healthy body parts with artificial prostheses because they offer higher performance. Suggested learning outcome By the end of this activity students will be able to explain what joints are and how they work. They will also be able to suggest links between modern technology and health. 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