Having taught in the UK and abroad, I've experienced teaching many different syllabi including SABIS, AQA, WJEC and Cambridge. I develop resources to help teachers model key concepts, provide practice for students and include answers to help students self-assess their work. Planning for a 27 lesson week can be stressful to say the least, so I hope you find my resources useful. Thank you for choosing my lesson/s, I hope they enrich your teaching practice and make your life easier.
Having taught in the UK and abroad, I've experienced teaching many different syllabi including SABIS, AQA, WJEC and Cambridge. I develop resources to help teachers model key concepts, provide practice for students and include answers to help students self-assess their work. Planning for a 27 lesson week can be stressful to say the least, so I hope you find my resources useful. Thank you for choosing my lesson/s, I hope they enrich your teaching practice and make your life easier.
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint bundle provides a comprehensive series of lessons on waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, covering wave properties, speed of sound, refraction, the electromagnetic spectrum, its uses, dangers, and required practicals. Designed for AQA GCSE Combined Science (Foundation Tier) Physics, these presentations offer detailed explanations, real-world applications, required practicals, and exam-style questions to support student learning. Each lesson includes clear diagrams, structured activities, and revision tasks, making this bundle ideal for both classroom teaching and independent study.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
Introduction to Waves
Definition of waves and how they transfer energy.
Identifying transverse and longitudinal waves with real-life examples.
Key wave properties, including wavelength, amplitude, and frequency.
Properties of Waves
Understanding wave frequency, speed, and period.
The wave speed equation and how to apply it.
Investigations using ripple tanks and oscilloscopes (simulation).
Speed of Sound
How sound waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
Factors affecting the speed of sound in different materials.
Measuring sound speed using echo methods and timing experiments.
Required Practical – Measuring Wave Speed
Investigating wave speed in solids (string) and water (ripple tanks).
How to accurately measure wavelength, frequency, and speed.
Understanding the relationship between wave properties and medium.
Refraction
Explanation of light bending at material boundaries.
Using ray diagrams to illustrate refraction.
Required practical on measuring refraction using a glass block.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Understanding the order of the electromagnetic spectrum based on wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Explaining how all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.
Applying the wave speed equation to EM waves.
Uses of Electromagnetic Waves
Exploring how radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays are used.
Real-world applications in communication, medicine, security, and industry.
Required Practical – Absorption and Radiation
Investigating infrared radiation emission and absorption.
Using Leslie cubes and boiling tubes to analyze heat transfer.
Understanding how surface color and texture affect radiation.
Dangers of Electromagnetic Waves
Identifying ionising vs. non-ionising radiation.
Explaining the risks of X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet radiation.
Examining radiation safety, dose measurement, and protection methods.
Each PowerPoint is fully editable (.pptx), allowing teachers to customize the content. The bundle includes exam-style questions, structured revision tasks, and guided practical investigations to enhance student understanding.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint bundle is perfect for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a detailed and curriculum-aligned resource on waves and the electromagnetic spectrum. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint bundle provides a comprehensive series of lessons on electromagnetic waves, covering the electromagnetic spectrum, uses, dangers, and the key required practical. Designed for AQA GCSE Combined Science (Foundation Tier) Physics, these presentations offer detailed explanations, real-world applications, the required practical, and exam-style questions to help students develop a strong understanding of electromagnetic waves. Each lesson includes clear diagrams, structured activities, and revision tasks, making this bundle ideal for both classroom teaching and independent study.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy and travel at the speed of light. They are arranged in the electromagnetic spectrum based on their wavelength, frequency, and energy. This bundle explains how different types of electromagnetic waves are used in everyday life, from radio waves for communication to gamma rays for medical treatments, while also exploring potential dangers and safety measures.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
1. Refraction
Definition of refraction and why light bends at the boundary between two materials.
Ray diagrams showing how light behaves when passing between air, glass, and water.
2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Definition of electromagnetic waves and their properties.
Understanding the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy.
3. Uses of Electromagnetic Waves
Real-world applications of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
How different waves are used in communication, medical imaging, sterilization, and security.
Interactive activities and structured tasks to reinforce understanding.
4. Dangers of Electromagnetic Waves
Identifying which waves are ionising and non-ionising.
Exploring the risks of X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet radiation.
Understanding radiation exposure and safety measures in medical and industrial settings.
5. Required Practical – Absorption and Radiation
Investigating how different surfaces emit and absorb infrared radiation.
Using Leslie cubes and boiling tubes to compare heat transfer.
Evaluating results and discussing ways to improve experimental accuracy.
This bundle also includes exam-style questions, structured revision activities, and guided practical investigations. Each PowerPoint is fully editable (.pptx), allowing teachers to adapt lessons to suit their class needs.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint bundle is perfect for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a detailed and curriculum-aligned resource on electromagnetic waves. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed and structured lesson on the dangers of electromagnetic waves, focusing on the potential health risks associated with different types of electromagnetic radiation. Designed for AQA GCSE Combined Science: Physics, this lesson explains ionisation, radiation dose, and the harmful effects of X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet radiation, and other electromagnetic waves. The resource includes clear explanations, real-world applications, and exam-style questions to help students develop a strong understanding of the risks and safety measures associated with electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic waves transfer energy, and some waves are more dangerous than others. Ionising radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, can damage DNA and cause cell mutations leading to cancer. Non-ionising radiation, including microwaves and infrared radiation, can cause heating effects in human tissues when exposed to high levels.
Students will learn about X-rays and CT scans, including how X-ray radiation is absorbed by bones but passes through soft tissue, allowing doctors to create medical images. The PowerPoint explains radiation safety measures, such as using lead aprons, reducing exposure time, and limiting unnecessary scans to minimize health risks. It also examines ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, how it increases the risk of skin cancer and eye damage, and the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing.
To reinforce learning, the PowerPoint includes starter activities, review questions, and structured comparison tables. The fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) allows teachers to tailor the lesson to their students’ needs, making it a flexible and valuable resource for classroom instruction.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson on the dangers of electromagnetic waves. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed and structured lesson on the uses of electromagnetic waves, covering how different types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum are applied in everyday life. Designed for AQA GCSE Foundation Combined Science: Physics, this resource explains the practical applications of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. The lesson includes engaging starter activities, guided explanations, and exam-style questions to support student learning and exam preparation.
Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy and can travel through a vacuum at a speed of 300,000,000 m/s. The wavelength and frequency of these waves determine their properties and uses. This lesson explains the progression from long-wavelength, low-frequency radio waves to short-wavelength, high-frequency gamma rays, showing how each type of wave is used in communication, medicine, security, and industry.
Students will explore the real-world applications of electromagnetic waves, including how radio waves transmit radio, TV, and mobile signals, how microwaves are used in satellite communications and heating food, and how infrared radiation is used in remote controls, thermal imaging, and heating devices. The lesson also highlights the role of visible light in photography, ultraviolet light in security markings, X-rays in medical imaging, and gamma rays in sterilization and cancer treatment.
To reinforce learning, the PowerPoint includes fill-in-the-table activities, structured note-taking tasks, and practice questions. The fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) allows teachers to adapt the lesson to suit their class needs, making it a flexible and valuable resource for classroom instruction.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson on the uses of electromagnetic waves. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This bundle provides a comprehensive set of lessons covering all required practical investigations for the AQA GCSE Foundation Combined Science: Physics course. Each presentation includes step-by-step methods, clear diagrams, data analysis tasks, and exam-style questions to ensure students fully understand the scientific techniques and concepts behind each experiment.
Practical work is an essential part of the AQA GCSE Physics specification, helping students develop data collection, analysis, and evaluation skills. This bundle provides structured guidance for each required practical, ensuring students can conduct experiments effectively and interpret their results with confidence.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
1. Required Practical: Density
Investigating the density of liquids, regular solids and irregular solids.
Measuring volume using a displacement method and mass using a balance.
Applying the density equation (Density = Mass ÷ Volume).
2. Required Practical: Specific Heat Capacity
Using an electric heater and thermometer to measure the specific heat capacity of a material.
Applying the equation ΔE = m × c × Δθ.
Reducing heat loss and improving accuracy in experiments.
3. Required Practical: Resistance of a Wire
Investigating how changing the length of a wire affects its resistance.
Using a voltmeter and ammeter to measure resistance.
Applying Ohm’s Law (V = IR) to calculate resistance.
4. Required Practical: Resistance in Series and Parallel Circuits
Investigating how resistance changes when resistors are added in series and parallel.
Explaining why series circuits increase resistance while parallel circuits decrease it.
Using circuit simulations and real practicals.
5. Required Practical: Component Characteristics
Measuring the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a fixed resistor, filament lamp, and diode.
Identifying ohmic and non-ohmic conductors.
Plotting I-V graphs to analyze resistance changes.
6. Required Practical: Waves – Measuring Wave Speed
Investigating wave speed in a solid (string) and in water (ripple tank method).
Using the wave equation (v = fλ) to calculate wave speed.
7. Required Practical: Infrared Radiation – Absorption and Emission
Using a Leslie cube and boiling tubes to measure how different surfaces absorb and emit infrared radiation.
Comparing black, shiny, and white surfaces.
Evaluating heat transfer and cooling rates.
8. Required Practical: Hooke’s Law (Springs Practical)
Investigating how a spring extends under different forces.
Using Hooke’s Law (F = kx) to determine the spring constant.
9. Required Practical: Acceleration (Newton’s Second Law)
Investigating the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using trolleys and pulleys.
Applying F = ma to analyze results.
Why Use This Resource?
Fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Foundation Combined Science: Physics specification.
Step-by-step methods with structured activities and clear diagrams.
Exam-style questions and data analysis tasks to prepare students for assessments.
Fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) files to adapt for different lessons.
Last updated: March 2025.
This bundle is perfect for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive and structured approach to GCSE Physics required practicals. Download now to support practical-based learning in the classroom!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint presentation provides a comprehensive guide to the required practical on density, covering regular solids, irregular solids, and liquids. Designed for AQA GCSE Physics, this resource helps students develop essential practical skills by measuring mass and volume to calculate density using the equation: density = mass / volume.
The lesson begins with a starter activity introducing density calculations and asking students to predict whether objects will float or sink based on their densities. It then provides clear explanations and step-by-step methods for measuring density using different techniques.
For regular solids, students will learn how to determine volume by measuring length, width, and height and using the formula for volume. A table of example data for materials like aluminium, brass, and wood is included to guide students in calculating density.
For irregular solids, the lesson explains how to measure volume using water displacement in a measuring cylinder or a Eureka (displacement) can, following Archimedes’ Principle. The method is demonstrated with sample data for objects such as a rock and a plastic toy, helping students understand how displaced water equals the object’s volume.
For liquids, students will learn how to determine mass using a mass balance and measure volume using a measuring cylinder. The lesson provides example calculations, highlighting the importance of subtracting the mass of the empty container to find the liquid’s actual mass.
To consolidate learning, the PowerPoint includes structured practice activities, review questions, and exam-style tasks that assess students’ ability to apply the density formula and analyze experimental errors. The fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) allows teachers to customize content for their lessons, making it a valuable resource for classroom instruction and revision.
Last updated: March 2025.
This resource is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a detailed, curriculum-aligned lesson on density and practical measurement techniques. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed lesson on the required practical for investigating the absorption and emission of infrared radiation. Designed for AQA GCSE Physics, this resource explains how different surfaces emit and absorb infrared radiation at different rates. The lesson includes step-by-step practical guidance, real-world applications, and exam-style questions to develop students’ understanding of heat transfer by radiation.
Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic wave that transfers thermal energy. All objects emit infrared radiation, and the amount emitted depends on the surface color, texture, and temperature. This lesson focuses on investigating how different materials absorb and emit infrared radiation, using a Leslie cube and boiling tubes to compare heat loss across various surfaces. Students will learn how black and matte surfaces are better absorbers and emitters, while shiny and white surfaces reflect radiation more effectively.
The PowerPoint provides a detailed method for the required practical, including the use of a Leslie cube or boiling tubes filled with hot water. It outlines the equipment needed, risk assessment, and fair testing considerations. Students will record temperature changes over time to determine which surfaces emit heat most effectively. They will also analyze results by constructing bar charts and evaluating experimental errors, reinforcing their ability to interpret scientific data.
The fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) allows teachers to tailor content to suit their teaching needs, making it a valuable resource for classroom instruction.
Last updated: March 2025.
This resource is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson on infrared radiation and heat transfer. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This GCSE Physics PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed and structured lesson on the electromagnetic spectrum. Designed for AQA GCSE Physics, this resource explains how wavelength, frequency, and energy vary across the spectrum. The presentation includes clear diagrams, real-world applications, and exam-style questions to enhance learning.
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a continuous range of waves that all travel at the speed of light (3.0 × 10⁸ m/s) in a vacuum. These waves vary in wavelength, frequency, and energy, which determine their properties and applications. The lesson explains the key trends across the spectrum, including how wavelength decreases, frequency increases, and energy transferred by the waves increases from radio waves to gamma rays.
This PowerPoint also guides students through calculations involving the wave speed equation (v = fλ). They will practice determining frequency and wavelength using real-world examples and apply these skills in exam-style questions. Additionally, the lesson highlights the relationship between energy and frequency, emphasizing that higher-frequency waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, carry more energy and can cause ionization, whereas lower-frequency waves, such as radio waves and microwaves, transfer less energy and are generally non-ionizing.
To reinforce learning, the PowerPoint includes starter activities, review questions, and practice problems. By engaging with these tasks, students develop a strong conceptual understanding and gain essential exam skills.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint is perfect for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson on the electromagnetic spectrum. Download now to support your physics teaching!
This AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier PowerPoint presentation provides a detailed introduction to refraction, explaining how light changes direction when passing from one medium to another. This lesson explores ray diagrams, supporting students in understanding the fundamentals of refraction. The presentation includes explanations, practical investigations, and exam-style questions, making it ideal for classroom teaching and independent study.
Refraction occurs when a wave changes speed and direction as it crosses the boundary between two materials. This happens because different substances have varying densities, which affect the speed of light. In this lesson, students will explore why light bends when passing through materials like air, water, and glass, and how to illustrate this effect using ray diagrams.
The PowerPoint provides a step-by-step guide to investigating refraction using a glass block. Students will learn that light bends towards the normal when entering a denser medium and away from the normal when moving into a less dense medium. Additionally, the lesson explains that light traveling along the normal does not refract.
The fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) allows teachers to customize the lesson to suit their class needs, making it a flexible and valuable resource for teaching refraction.
Last updated: March 2025.
This resource is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned lesson on refraction. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
This AQA GCSE Physics Waves PowerPoint bundle provides a comprehensive series of lessons covering the key concepts of waves, including wave properties, wave speed, sound waves, and the required practical. Designed for AQA GCSE combined science, these presentations offer detailed explanations, practical investigations, worked examples, and exam-style questions to support student understanding and exam preparation.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
Lesson 1: Introduction to Waves
Definition of waves as energy transfer without matter movement.
Difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Explanation of transverse and longitudinal waves with real-world examples.
Identifying wavelength and amplitude from wave diagrams.
Lesson 2: Properties of Waves
Definition and calculation of wave frequency.
Wave speed equation (v = fλ) and how to use it.
Understanding wave period and how it relates to frequency.
Wavefronts and their role in wave behavior.
Practical examples of wave properties using a ripple tank demonstration.
Lesson 3: Speed of Sound
How sound waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
Why sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum.
Measuring the speed of sound using an echo method.
How frequency and amplitude affect pitch and loudness.
Oscilloscope simulation/demonstrations to visualize sound waves.
Lesson 4: Required Practical – Measuring Wave Speed
Investigating wave speed in a solid (vibrating string method).
Investigating wave speed in water (ripple tank method).
Step-by-step practical methods, including improvements.
How to calculate wave speed from frequency and wavelength.
Analyzing errors and improving accuracy in wave measurements.
Why Use This Resource?
Aligned with AQA GCSE combined science specification.
Fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) files to suit different teaching styles.
Clear visuals, structured lessons, and engaging activities.
Supports practical investigations and experimental analysis.
Includes exam-style practice questions and problem-solving exercises.
Last updated: March 2025.
This PowerPoint bundle is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a curriculum-aligned resource on GCSE Physics Waves. Download now to enhance your physics lessons!
What is This Resource About?
This PowerPoint supports AQA GCSE Physics students in completing the required practical for measuring wave speed. It explains how to measure wave speed in different media, how to apply the wave equation, and how to analyze experimental errors to improve accuracy.
What’s Included?
Measuring wave speed in a solid (vibrating string method)
Step-by-step practical setup and method.
Explanation of how frequency, wavelength, and tension affect wave speed.
Example results table and calculation of mean wave speed.
Discussion on why wave speed varies and how to improve accuracy.
Measuring wave speed in water (ripple tank method):
How to create and observe waves using a signal generator and ripple tank.
How to measure frequency (counting waves over time) and wavelength (using a meter ruler).
Example calculations.
Sources of error and improvements.
The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed:
Explains why changing frequency does not change wave speed in the same medium.
Examines factors that do change wave speed (e.g., water depth, string tension).
Review questions:
Calculating wave speed from given data.
Explaining experimental errors and suggesting improvements.
Why Use This Resource?
Aligned with AQA GCSE Physics required practicals.
Fully editable PowerPoint (.pptx) for classroom use.
Clear explanations, structured lessons, and practical guidance.
Supports practical work, scientific analysis, and evaluation skills.
Includes practice questions and activities to reinforce key concepts.
Last updated: February 2025.
This PowerPoint is ideal for teachers, tutors, and students looking for a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned resource on measuring wave speed in solids and liquids. Download now to support practical physics teaching!
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This “Discovery of the Nucleus” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, covering the historical development of atomic models, including Dalton’s, Thomson’s, Rutherford’s, Bohr’s, and Chadwick’s contributions. It provides detailed explanations, diagrams, and exam-style questions to help students understand how the modern nuclear model of the atom evolved through experiments and scientific discovery.
Students explore the evolution of atomic models, starting with Democritus, who first proposed that matter is made of indivisible particles (atomos), through to Dalton’s atomic theory, which stated that all matter is composed of identical atoms that combine in fixed ratios. The limitations of these models are discussed, including the discovery that atoms are not indivisible as first believed.
The lesson then introduces J.J. Thomson’s Plum Pudding Model, explaining his discovery of the electron in 1897 using the cathode ray tube experiment. Students analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this model, particularly how it failed to explain the structure of the positive charge in an atom.
The Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment is covered in detail, demonstrating how alpha particles were deflected at unexpected angles, leading to the discovery of the nucleus. Students learn that:
Most alpha particles passed straight through, indicating atoms are mostly empty space.
Some particles were deflected, suggesting a small, dense, positively charged nucleus at the center of the atom.
A few particles bounced straight back, confirming the concentration of mass in the nucleus.
The Bohr Model is introduced, explaining how electrons exist in fixed energy levels (shells) instead of spiraling into the nucleus. Students analyze how energy is absorbed and emitted when electrons move between shells, leading to light emission in specific colors.
The lesson continues with James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron, explaining how his beryllium experiment proved the existence of a neutral subatomic particle. This discovery helped explain isotopes and completed our modern understanding of atomic structure.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Physics specification, offering clear explanations, historical context, practical applications, and exam-style practice. Updated in February 2025, this resource is perfect for building a strong conceptual understanding of atomic structure and the discovery of the nucleus in GCSE Physics.
This “Speed of Sound” PowerPoint lesson is designed for GCSE Physics students, focusing on how sound waves travel through different media, how to measure the speed of sound, and how wave properties like pitch and volume are affected by frequency and amplitude. The lesson includes interactive demonstrations, real-world applications, and exam-style questions to help students grasp key concepts.
The lesson starts with a starter activity reviewing prior knowledge of wave properties, including frequency, amplitude, and wave speed equations. Students recall the relationships between wavelength, wave speed, and period, ensuring they have a strong foundation before diving into the topic.
Students then explore how sound waves require a medium to travel and why they cannot propagate in a vacuum. A key discussion point is whether an astronaut in space would hear a drum beating outside their suit. They learn that sound waves are mechanical waves, which require particles to transfer energy, making it impossible to hear sound in space.
The lesson introduces a practical demonstration using an alarm bell in a vacuum jar, which visually reinforces that as air is removed, the sound disappears because no particles remain to transfer the vibrations.
Students then see how sound speed differs in solids, liquids, and gases, understanding that:
Sound travels fastest in solids due to closely packed particles allowing quicker energy transfer.
Sound is slower in liquids since particles are further apart.
Sound travels slowest in gases, where particles are widely spaced and less frequent collisions occur.
The lesson also covers how sound waves travel and reflect, leading into an explanation of how to measure the speed of sound using the echo method.
Students work through a step-by-step guide:
Generate a sound (e.g., a hand clap).
Time how long it takes for the sound to reflect off a surface (like a wall) and return.
Multiply the measured distance by 2 (since sound travels to the wall and back).
Use the formula: speed = distance/time
Repeat and calculate an average, removing any anomalous results.
Students apply this knowledge in practice calculations, solving problems like:
If a wall is 50m away and it takes 0.3 seconds to hear the echo, how fast was the sound traveling? 100m÷0.3s=333.33m/s
A section on oscilloscopes and sound waves helps students analyze how changes in frequency affect pitch and how amplitude affects loudness. Using interactive simulations or teacher demonstrations, students match waveforms to their corresponding pitch and volume characteristics.
The lesson concludes with GCSE-style exam questions.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is fully aligned with GCSE Physics specifications, offering clear explanations, real-world applications, and interactive problem-solving activities. Updated in Februa2024, this resource ensures a strong understanding of wave behavior, sound propagation, and practical measurement techniques for GCSE students.
This “Properties of Waves” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, covering key wave characteristics such as frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and wave speed. It introduces essential equations, including wave speed = frequency × wavelength, and develops students’ ability to calculate and analyze wave behavior through real-world applications and practice questions.
The lesson starts with a starter activity revisiting key concepts from Lesson 1: Introduction to Waves, ensuring students understand transverse vs. longitudinal waves, amplitude, and wavelength. Students then move on to defining frequency, understanding how it is measured in hertz (Hz) and calculated using the formula: frequency = number of waves / time taken.
The lesson features a demonstration using a ripple tank, where students observe wave behavior and define wavefront. They explore how the number of waves per second (frequency) relates to the time for one complete wave (period) and complete calculations using: period = 1 / frequency
Students then apply the wave speed equation: Wave speed = Frequency × Wavelength. They work through step-by-step calculations, rearrange the equation to solve for different variables, and answer GCSE-style questions. The lesson also introduces standard form calculations, preparing students for more advanced physics applications.
Updated in February 2025, this editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Physics specification and includes structured explanations, worked examples, and interactive activities, making it a valuable resource for teaching wave properties, calculations, and practical applications in GCSE Physics.
This “Introduction to Waves” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, covering the fundamentals of waves, their properties, and classifications. It provides a structured breakdown of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, differentiates between transverse and longitudinal waves, and introduces key concepts such as wavelength, amplitude, compression, and rarefaction.
The lesson starts with a starter activity where students analyze a Mexican wave video. They describe how the movement of people in the stadium represents a transverse wave, reinforcing the concept that waves transfer energy without transferring matter.
Students then explore the nature of waves, learning that waves are vibrations or disturbances that transfer energy. They classify waves as either mechanical or electromagnetic, distinguishing between:
Mechanical waves (e.g., sound waves, water waves, seismic waves) that require a medium to travel.
Electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, visible light, X-rays) that do not require a medium and can travel through space at 300,000,000 m/s.
The lesson introduces parallel and perpendicular motion, helping students visualize how different wave types propagate. Students learn the difference between:
Transverse waves, where oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., water waves, electromagnetic waves).
Longitudinal waves, where oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., sound waves, seismic P-waves).
Key wave properties such as wavelength and amplitude are explained using diagrams and real-world examples. Students define:
Wavelength (λ) as the distance between two consecutive crests or compressions.
Amplitude as the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, determining wave energy.
Compression as the high-pressure region in a longitudinal wave.
Rarefaction as the low-pressure region between compressions.
The lesson includes practice questions with step-by-step answers, ensuring students can interpret wave diagrams and apply terminology correctly.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is aligned with the AQA GCSE Physics specification and provides clear explanations, engaging activities, and practice exercises, making it an ideal resource for introducing waves and their properties. Updated in February 2025, this lesson ensures a strong foundation in wave physics for GCSE students.
This “Required Practical: Acceleration” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier students. It focuses on investigating the relationship between acceleration and force using Newton’s Second Law of Motion (F=ma). This lesson provides step-by-step guidance for the required practical, ensuring students can conduct the experiment, collect and analyze data, and apply their findings to real-world physics concepts.
The practical investigation is introduced, where students measure how the acceleration of a trolley changes with varying force. They follow a structured method using a trolley, a pulley system, and weights to vary force while keeping mass constant. Data is recorded in a results table and plotted as a force vs. acceleration graph to observe the relationship.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is specifically designed for AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier students. Updated in February 2025, it provides structured guidance, hands-on learning opportunities, and exam-focused practice, making it an essential resource for mastering acceleration and Newton’s Second Law in GCSE Physics.
This AQA GCSE Physics Magnetism & Electromagnetism bundle is a complete, ready-to-teach resource. Lessons include detailed explanations, diagrams, practical investigations, and assessment questions to support exam success and deep understanding of magnetism and electromagnetism.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
This 5-lesson series covers all key areas of magnetism and electromagnetism, including magnetic fields, electromagnets, solenoids and investigating electromagnets.
Lesson 1: Magnets – Introduction to magnetic materials, permanent magnets, and the Earth’s magnetic field.
Lesson 2: Magnetic Fields – Understanding magnetic field patterns, attraction & repulsion, and using compasses & iron filings.
Lesson 3: Permanent and Induced Magnets – Exploring how materials become temporary or permanent magnets and their real-world applications.
Lesson 4: Magnetic Fields of Electric Currents – Investigating electromagnetic fields, the right-hand grip rule, and solenoids.
Lesson 5: Investigating Electromagnets – Practical investigation on how the number of coils affects electromagnet strength.
Key Features of This Bundle
Fully Exam-Aligned – Follows the AQA GCSE Physics Specification with detailed lesson objectives.
Hands-On Practical Work – Includes the required practical on electromagnets, with step-by-step guides.
Engaging Visuals & Activities – Diagrams, real-world examples, and interactive tasks to make learning fun.
Exam Practice – GCSE-style questions.
Editable PowerPoints (.pptx) – Customizable for teachers and students to adapt to different learning needs.
Who Is This Resource For?
📌 GCSE Physics teachers delivering the AQA syllabus and looking for a complete, ready-to-use magnetism unit.
📌 Tutors & students needing structured lessons, practice questions, and exam-focused explanations.
📌 Anyone preparing for GCSE Physics exams who wants a clear, well-structured approach to electromagnetism.
With this comprehensive bundle, students will gain a strong foundation in magnetism & electromagnetism, develop scientific investigation skills, and confidently tackle GCSE Physics exam questions.
This “Investigating Electromagnets” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, focusing on the factors that affect the strength of an electromagnet. The lesson covers the relationship between current, coils, and magnetic field strength, and includes a required practical investigation where students experiment with different variables to understand electromagnetism.
The lesson begins with a starter activity prompting students to recall prior knowledge about magnetic fields around current-carrying wires and how they can be made stronger. Students consider how the shape of a wire, current strength, and presence of a core influence the magnetic field of a solenoid.
Students then explore the key principles of electromagnetism, including how electromagnets differ from permanent magnets, the role of iron cores in increasing magnetic strength, and real-world applications such as scrapyard cranes and electric motors. The lesson outlines the three key factors that increase electromagnet strength:
Increasing the current in the wire.
Increasing the number of coils in the solenoid.
Using an iron core instead of air or other materials.
The practical investigation involves students building and testing electromagnets to examine how coil number affects magnetic strength. Using an iron nail, insulated wire, and paperclips, students systematically test different coil numbers and measure how many paperclips are picked up. They record data in a results table and analyze the trend by plotting a graph of coils vs. paperclips lifted.
A strong focus is placed on scientific investigation skills, including:
Identifying variables (independent, dependent, and control).
Writing a method with clear, sequential steps.
Analyzing results and forming a conclusion based on collected data.
Evaluating reliability and discussing improvements for greater accuracy.
The lesson concludes with a six-mark exam-style question. Structured guidance is provided, ensuring students can confidently describe how electromagnets function and how their strength can be adjusted.
Updated in February 2025, this editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students. With structured explanations, hands-on investigation, and real-world applications, this resource is ideal for mastering electromagnetism and practical experimentation in GCSE Physics.
This GCSE Electricity bundle provides a comprehensive and structured series of lessons designed to support students in mastering key concepts related to electrical circuits, resistance, power, and the National Grid. Covering essential theory, practical applications, and required practicals, this resource follows the GCSE Physics specification and is ideal for both classroom teaching and independent revision.
What’s Included in the Bundle?
This resource includes 13 fully planned PowerPoint lessons, each designed to engage students with clear explanations, worked examples, and interactive activities.
Topics covered include:
Introduction to Electrical Circuits – Understanding circuit components, symbols, and simple circuit diagrams.
Current and Charge – Definition of electric current, its relationship with charge, and how it is measured.
Voltage and Potential Difference – Explanation of voltage (potential difference) and its effect on circuit components.
Voltage & Current in Series and Parallel Circuits – Key differences in current and voltage distribution in series and parallel circuits.
Resistance and Ohm’s Law (V = IR) – Explanation of resistance, how it affects circuits, and calculations using Ohm’s Law.
Required Practical: Investigating Resistance – Experimental investigation on how resistance changes with the length of a wire.
Component Characteristics – Understanding IV characteristics of fixed resistors, filament lamps, and diodes.
Required Practical: Component Characteristics – Investigating I-V graphs of different circuit components.
Required Practical: Resistance in Series and Parallel Circuits – Understanding how adding resistors affects total resistance in a circuit.
Alternating Current, Direct Current & The National Grid – Explanation of AC vs. DC, UK mains electricity, and National Grid transmission.
Cables and Plugs – Understanding the structure, safety features, and function of plugs and cables.
Electrical Power & Resistance Heating – How electrical appliances convert energy, including power calculations.
Efficiency and Cost of Appliances – Exploring energy efficiency, cost calculations, and real-world applications.
Key Features:
Exam-Focused Content – Aligned with the GCSE Physics specification, ensuring curriculum coverage.
Interactive & Engaging – Includes starter activities, worked examples, and practice questions.
Clear Explanations & Visuals – Well-structured slides with circuit diagrams, formula breakdowns, and I-V graphs.
Practical & Required Practicals Included – Step-by-step practical investigations for resistance, component characteristics, and circuit behavior.
Who is This Resource For?
GCSE Physics students following the AQA specification.
Teachers looking for complete, ready-to-use lessons with well-structured content and practical guidance.
Tutors and independent learners seeking clear, concise, and exam-relevant resources.
This bundle provides a full unit of study on electricity, helping students develop problem-solving skills, master calculations, and apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.
Download now to enhance your GCSE Physics lessons with this high-quality, curriculum-aligned resource!
**Save 54% with the Complete Electricity Bundle! **
Get this lesson as part of our GCSE Electricity Bundle and enjoy a huge discount! Instead of buying lessons individually, grab the entire unit with 13 lessons, including required practicals, for just £12.00.
Click here to get the bundle now: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13199110
This “Efficiency and Cost of Appliances” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, covering how to calculate energy transfer in kilowatt-hours (kWh), determine electricity costs, and analyze efficiency in appliances. The lesson includes step-by-step explanations, worked examples, and real-world applications to help students develop problem-solving skills related to energy consumption and efficiency.
The lesson begins with a starter activity reviewing basic unit conversions, including grams to kilograms, meters to kilometers, and watts to kilowatts. It also prompts students to recall essential physics equations, such as the formulas for power, energy transfer, and efficiency. This ensures students have a strong foundation before learning how to calculate electricity costs and efficiency percentages.
Students first explore efficiency, understanding that it measures how well a device transfers energy usefully. They learn that no device is 100% efficient, as some energy is always wasted, often as heat. The lesson introduces the efficiency equations: efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input and efficiency = useful power output / total power input. Students practice calculating efficiency using given input and output values, converting between decimal and percentage forms, and analyzing why higher efficiency reduces energy waste and cost.
Next, the lesson covers energy transfer and electricity costs. Students learn how to calculate energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) rather than joules, making energy usage easier to compare on electricity bills. The equation used is: E=P×t where E is energy (kWh), P is power (kW), and t is time (hours). Students apply this equation to real-world scenarios, such as calculating the energy consumption of a washing machine, microwave, and heater over different time periods.
To determine the cost of using electrical appliances, students use the equation: Cost §=Power (kW)×Time (hours)×Cost per Unit §. Worked examples guide students through calculating the total cost of running household appliances, reinforcing the importance of energy efficiency in reducing electricity bills.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students. Updated in February 2025, it includes structured explanations, interactive problem-solving exercises, and real-world applications, making it an essential resource for teaching efficiency, energy transfer, and electricity costs in GCSE Physics.
