With our history of design KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a pinhole camera based on early Victorian photography technology. In this classroom project learners will learn about early camera obscuras developed during the Victorian era. They will then make their own pinhole camera from a small shoebox, based on this early technology. Finally, they will test their camera and observe how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian-themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era Learners will discuss the origins of cameras and photography in Britain and the United Kingdom including the fact that in Victorian times many women took up taking photos as a hobby. Learns will then make their own pinhole camera and test it by going into a dark room, turning on a lamp and pointing the camera towards it. Tools/supplies needed: Cardboard box or shoebox Wax paper Parcel tape Craft knife Scissors Pin to make the pinhole Pencil and ruler Follow our step-by-step guide to make a pinhole camera The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology, Maths and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will know what is meant by the Victorian era and the dates it covered, be able to make and test a pinhole camera and be able to explain how the pinhole camera works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Structured class debate on the location of a new wind farm There is much debate about the issues created by carbon emissions and how renewable energy sources can help resolve these challenges. Most people agree that renewable energy is a good thing, but many oppose to having wind turbines built near their neighbourhood. In this role-play activity, participants take on different roles to debate a proposed wind farm. In pairs, students discuss whether their character would be in favour of the proposed wind farm and prepare a two-minute talk to share their case with the group. Afterwards, divide the larger groups into ‘for’ and ‘against’ and bring together all the individual statements to form a strong, coherent case. Four people are chosen to give two reasons to support their argument. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity has been written with a strong science bias. However, it can easily be taught in design and technology with either a systems and control approach or from a ‘sustainability’ angle, looking at the topic of wind farms and the future of energy production. The ‘sustainability’ perspective will provide an activity that could involve design and technology, geography and citizenship. Download the activity sheets for free! 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. Please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation 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.

With our history of design and technology and engineering KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners produce a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by looking at the key events that defined the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering developments and society today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked during this time. They will then produce a timeline of key events that occurred from when Queen Victoria was born to when she died. For example, the opening of the London Underground and the development of the first national police force. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the influence of historical events on engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within history of design, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Producing a timeline of key events that took place during the Victorian era Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go onto producing a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era, adding pictures to make the timeline more engaging to look at. Tools/supplies needed: Pens and pencils Ruler The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will be able to produce a timeline of key events that occurred during the Victorian era and understand how the Victorian era shaped engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

In this hands-on design and technology project for KS3, students will unleash their creativity and artistic flair as they tie-dye picnic blankets. Through the fascinating art of tie-dyeing, they will explore colour combinations, patterns, and techniques, making their picnic blankets functional and uniquely stylish. Activity: Make a tie dye picnic blanket This activity is part of a series of free STEM resources created to enable students to enhance their understanding and proficiency in Design and Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics, all while incorporating summer-related themes. This particular resource is perfect for the summer season and can be undertaken within a school setting or from the comfort of one’s home. Learners will produce samples for a picnic blanket using different tie-dyeing techniques to add visual interest. They will then produce a full-sized version using their favourite technique or design. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners about dyeing techniques within textiles or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering manufacturing processes and finishing techniques. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take approximately 70-100 minutes to complete. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to tie-dye a blanket that can be used during summer picnics! What materials will you need? Squeezy bottles; Fabric dye; Elastic bands/string; Plastic gloves; washing up bowl; Salt, if required. The engineering context Our clothing comes in a diverse array of colours to avoid monotony. Engineers and designers employ various finishing techniques on a wide range of materials, including textiles. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what is meant by tie-dyeing and its applications, they will be able to produce samples for picnic blankets using different tie-dyeing techniques, and they will be able to produce a full-size picnic blanket using tie-dyeing. Download the free activity sheet below! 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

In this engaging design and technology project for KS2, students will build a model of the Leonardo da Vinci bridge where the parts are not joined together… This activity will teach learners about the use of simple construction techniques as they assemble a working, load-bearing bridge. The bridge can then be tested to destruction, which can help learners understand the forces that act on bridges and how to design them to be strong and stable. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning about structures and Design for Living. It can be adapted to different age groups and abilities and can be used to teach a variety of concepts, such as forces, structures, and materials. Activity: How to make a Leonardo da Vinci bridge This resource is part of a set designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology and Engineering. This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves building a load-bearing bridge structure made up of simple members without any joining methods. This activity is aimed at the high end of Key Stage 2 and should be carried out in pairs or small groups, as a minimum of two pairs of hands are needed, along with some dexterity. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 60-90 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Parents can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on how to help their children build a Leonardo Da Vinci bridge at home. The engineering context Using scale models is a development tool used in many areas of Engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how forces can act on parts of a structure to make it stand without extra support or joining methods, and they will look at the engineering work of Leonardo da Vinci. Download the free activity sheet below! 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 the properties of solids, liquids and gases In this unit, students will develop their understanding of the properties of the three states of matter. They will have the opportunity to experiment with a range of different substances that do not fit neatly into the traditional states of matter model. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity where students will explore materials to develop an understanding of why they behave the way they do. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources 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

Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by investigating the key inventions made during the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked. They will then discuss how technology and engineering moved forward during the Victorian era, before researching at least one engineering invention made during that time. They will then present their findings to the class. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the impact of Victorian inventions on modern engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Using the internet to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era. Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will then go on to use the internet to research one engineering invention that was made during the Victorian era and produce a short presentation about it which they should make to the class. Tools/supplies needed: Computers with internet and presentation software Whiteboard projector or interactive whiteboard The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography or electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering with History, Literacy and Computing/ICT with the aim that the learners will be able to research engineering inventions that were made during the Victorian era and understand the impact of Victorian inventions on engineering and society today. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Primary classroom poster giving a closer look at exploded views and how you can draw them for yourself. Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free form the IET Education website.

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

Analyse data to find the best material for a prosthetic foot The development of new materials is having a huge impact on all of our lives. This engineering activity for kids encourages students to look at a variety of materials and find out which would be the best for ankle and foot prosthetics. Different materials will perform in a variety of different ways, and it is through the analysis of the materials that students will be able to work out which would be the best for a prosthetic foot. This fun STEM activity is designed as a main lesson exercise for secondary school students. Learners will carry out some data manipulation to find the best material from which to make a prosthetic foot. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with Mathematics. The class will be split into teams. Students will work as teams of engineering materials consultants and have to find the best material from which to make a prosthetic foot. Using the related handouts, which can be found below, students will plot graphs of stress against strain for seven different materials and calculate the gradient in order to find the stiffness for each material. Based on this information, students should select which of the seven materials is the most suitable for the construction of the foot. Students will present their recommendations to the rest of the class and the other teams will comment on their recommendations. What you will need: Graph paper Pen/pencil 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 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. 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. By the end of this activity students will be able to make the link between material properties and material usage. They will be able to understand how smart materials are used in a real life context and they will be able to use and manipulate material-related data.

Integrate a heart monitor into an item of clothing This is one of a series of resources to support the use of the BBC micro:bit in Design and Technology lessons. There are many reasons to monitor heart rate. For example: There are 2.7 million people in the UK currently suffering from heart problems. The quicker these problems can be found and treated the better the chance of a full recovery. Athletes measure their heart rate during training to ensure that they are training in their optimum physical range. In this unit, learners will use the BBC micro:bit to develop a prototype for a personal heart monitoring system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will design a fully integrated product. They will investigate and apply methods of attaching their device to a piece of clothing. 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. Download the 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. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

With our design and technology KS3 teaching resource lesson plan and template, learners will create a visual answer to a design situation using both sketching and CAD drawing software, followed by 3D printing a physical model. This is one of a set of teaching resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within Design & Technology and Engineering. This activity is based on CAD and 3D printing and provides a straightforward, practical way to introduce these technologies into the curriculum. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to reinforce CAD drawing skills or to introduce 3D printing. It could also be used as part of a scheme of work learning about the design process. Activity: Learners will decide upon a building to create and its purpose before sketching three draft ideas. They will then select the best features of their ideas before drawing a final design idea. Learners can share their ideas and concepts with peers for constructive feedback and improvement of designs. Once their designs have been finalised they will use Onshape to produce CAD models of their buildings and then 3D print them to create a town including the work of the whole class. Tools/supplies needed: Pencils Computer access with 3D drawing package (Onshape, Tinkercad, Fusion 360, Solidworks etc) 3D Printer and filament The engineering context CAD is a versatile tool used by engineers across various disciplines to conceptualise, design, analyse, and document complex systems and structures. For example, engineers use CAD to design cars and buildings and to carry out virtual testing of aircraft wings. 3D printing in engineering facilitates rapid prototyping, customisation, and the production of complex geometries while reducing material waste and enabling on-demand production. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines design and technology with engineering with the aim that the learners will be able to communicate a design, develop design skills using the Onshape CAD software and be able to 3D print a design idea successfully. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources 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 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. 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.

Select a method of medical imaging most appropriate for a particular medical condition The use of different types of signals is hugely important in all areas of healthcare. Signal processing engineers are involved in everything from extracting information from the body’s own electrical and chemical signals to using wireless signals to allow search-and-rescue robot swarms to communicate with each other. Together with related activities, this resource allows students to investigate the wide range of sophisticated imaging technology available in modern hospitals, and to explore the latest ideas in search-and-rescue robotics. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to work in small teams to select a method of medical imaging which is appropriate to a particular medical condition. Students are provided with the medical records of eight patients. The different imaging techniques covered in this activity include: CAT, Gamma cameras, MRI, PET, Thermology, Ultrasound and X-rays. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this activity students will investigate the design of roofs in terms of purpose and structure. This activities accompanies our Structural engineering and How to design a spaghetti roof structure resources as part of a series of activities that explores structural engineering. The lesson has been designed to either reinforce or extend basic knowledge of structures to students by providing a real-life context. It is not intended to form an introduction to structures. 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: Looking at the style and purpose of different roofs This activity will introduce students to basic structural concepts by looking at the familiar context of roofs. Students will start by viewing our Structural engineering starter presentation to discuss the purpose and different styles of roofs. They will next consider how their own roof might be structured. They will then be introduced to key terms relating to structural engineering such as tension, compression, structs and ties to give them context for subsequent engineering activities. By working through our presentation, students will be asked to identify which structural members are in tension and compression. Download our activity overview for a starter lesson plan on structural engineering for free! The engineering context Ingenious structural engineering has been responsible for many impressive roofs such as the O2 Arena, Stanstead Airport or Beijing National Stadium. Understanding roofs can be a gateway to appreciating the ingenuity behind larger structures like bridges, skyscrapers, and other structures that form our built environment. Suggested learning outcomes At the end of this lesson students will be able to identify the key features of a structural component. They’ll also know how to identify the various pressures a structural element can undergo. They will be able to apply their knowledge of structures to a given problem in order to design an effective solution. 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 for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this hands-on activity students are challenged with designing and engineering a spaghetti roof structure. It should follow our Structural engineering starter and Structural engineering as part of a series of activities that explores structural engineering. The lesson has been designed to either reinforce or extend a leaner’s basic knowledge of structures by providing a real-life context. It is not intended to form an introduction to structures. 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: Designing and engineering a spaghetti roof structure In this fun activity, students will explore structural engineering principles by designing and building a strong, lightweight roof structure using spaghetti. The challenge comes from having to use the smallest amount of spaghetti and glue possible to keep the structure light and strong. One their spaghetti roof is built, students must identify which areas are in tension and which are in compression so that they decide which parts of their structure need strengthening. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on structural engineering and how to design a roof structure for free! The engineering context Virtually every building needs a roof. Sometime the function of the room can be simple, it just needs to be strong and light so that it doesn’t fall down. Other times, more ergonomic considerations need to be taken into consideration such as weatherproofing, aesthetics, acoustics, insulation and fire resistance. Civil engineers must also be able to identify areas of tension and compression in existing structures, such as older buildings or in buildings that are having renovation work done, in order to be able to make recommendations for that will strengthen and support the existing structure. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson will teach students how to identify the key features of a structural component. They’ll learn how to identify the various pressures that a structural element can undergo and also be able to apply their knowledge to create solutions to given problems. 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 for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using 2D nets to make 3D shapes Make 3D shapes using cube nets then use this understanding to build a 3D pyramid. This activity introduces the concept of making 3D shapes using 2D nets. Participants use shape nets, to make three-dimensional shapes from two-dimensional images including a cube and pyramid. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this series of activities, pupils will learn about nets and wheels and axles. They will combine these technologies to make the base and body for a vehicle made from card. It could be used at Key Stage 1 to introduce nets and develop practical skills. 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 classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation Tools/resources required Copies of the nets pyramid and nets cube handouts, printed on card, 1 per pupil (plus spares) Scissors Glue sticks Optional Sticky tape or double-sided sticky tape Pre-made models of each shape, for demonstration (these could be made large size, for example by printing out on A3 card) Download the activity sheets for free! 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. 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 classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this fun STEM teaching resource learners will discover how to create a 3D model of a basic shape in TinkerCAD and then print it using a 3D printer. We’ve created this classroom design activity to support the delivery of key topics within design & technology (D&T) and engineering. This teaching resource activity is based on 3D printing and provides a straightforward, practical way to introduce this technology into the curriculum. This activity introduces the concept of 3D CAD design and some of the basic tools used with CAD software. The software used for the CAD activity is the free and widely used TinkerCAD; however, this could easily be substituted for any other 3D CAD software already available in school. The activity involves designing a basic shaped cookie cutter, then printing it out using a 3D printer. The guidance given for the printer is generic and may need to be varied depending upon the specific model(s) available in school. This could be used as a main lesson activity to introduce basic CAD drawing skills or 3D printing. It could also be used as the basis for an integrated scheme of work, where learners subsequently use their cookie cutters to make biscuits, allowing integration with maths (measuring out ingredients) and food technology skills. Tools/supplies needed: Computer with TinkerCAD 3D Printer PLA filament of an appropriate diameter for the equipment available Optional (for starter): examples of plastic cookie cutters Follow our step-by-step guide on how to design and make a cookie cutter Learners will design and make a cookie cutter using CAD and 3D printing. The engineering context CAD is a versatile tool used by engineers across various disciplines to conceptualise, design, analyse, and document complex systems and structures. For example, engineers use CAD to design cars and buildings and to carry out virtual testing of aircraft wings. 3D printing is an area of huge growth, with applications ranging from small plastic parts to printing metal bridges in place over rivers! Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines design and technology with engineering with the aim that the learners will be able to develop skills in CAD and be able to 3D print a design idea successfully. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources 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 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. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity students will learn about hypotheses by looking at heart rate data and how the use of computer games affects fitness. This lesson follows our Wii Fitness activity, which provides students with an opportunity to collect fitness data which they can use as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sport activities. 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 mathematics and science. Activity: Making hypotheses on how the use of computer games affects fitness In this activity students will review their results from our Wii Fitness investigation to form a hypothesis on how different activities affect heart rates. Students must consider the validity and size of the data set collected and work through a series of questions to explore if the data is sufficient to confirm their initial hypotheses. Download our activity overview for a starter lesson plan on hypotheses for free! The engineering context Engineering often involves problem-solving, and hypothesis based on initial observations can help engineers quickly define the potential cause of a problem. Hypothesis helps engineers to interpret data and can even guide them towards designing tests to make sure that the correct data is being gathered. This systematic approach can help to quickly validate or refute hypothesis, allowing engineers to find the right solution for the problem at hand. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be introduced to hypotheses and know how to create one from using a data set. They’ll also be able to evaluate the suitability and validity of the data collected as well as explain how results and ideas can be changed when we consider other variables. 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.

Solving transportation issues around the world In this activity students will use what they know about community transport systems to suggest possible solutions to existing transportation problems. 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: Solving transportation issues around the world Students will watch our short film on transportation planning, which will be the basis for a class discussion on the potential issues that come with holding major events in cities such as the Olympic Games. Students will then work in teams to review a scenario from our Solving the transport problem worksheet, which includes various transport planning scenarios. Each team will choose a problem to solve and then present their solution to the class. Finally, students will examine the negative consequences that inevitably come with improving community transport, considering environmental and social factors. Download our activity overview for an introductory lesson plan on transportation issues for free! The engineering context Engineers must often solve transportation problems that can arise in big cities. Whether it’s designing traffic flow for megacities, building accessible infrastructure for rural areas, or integrating sustainable fuels, transportation planning equips engineers to tackle hazards, congestion, isolation, and inefficiency. Suggested learning outcomes This activity teaches students how to use community transport to solve social and environmental problems. It will also teach them how to explain the rationale behind these decisions. 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 for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation