This activity introduces students to engineering design processes The lesson gives learners an in-depth understanding of some commonly used engineering materials and how they are currently developed for use in industry. The activity is inspired by the casting process used to make the D3O smart material into a ‘usable’ form. This links to industrial practices such as quality control, standardisation, and casting manufacture. It is designed to challenge the students by requiring them to apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in design and technology (DT). Activity: Understanding the concept of modular design and the casting process The lesson includes two short tasks to support students’ understanding of the application of the casting process and the concept of modular (repeat) design. Firstly, students will view the Cast Products presentation for an introduction to casting as a manufacturing method. By looking at each of the products that have been casted students will explore the advantages of casting (e.g., creating complex shapes, standardisation, batch production, fine detail quality, etc). Next, students will view the Modular Products presentation to identify the common characteristics of these products. The engineering context Engineers not only need to consider the properties of smart materials, they also need to think about the best way to use these materials within manufacturing so that they can be mass produced in an economical way. The casting process offers a way to use smart materials like D30 to mass-produce all sorts of goods cost-effectively. The material is particularly advantageous because of its shock absorption properties and can be used for the creation of snowboards and other sporting goods, along with safety gear such as helmets and limb protectors. It can even be used with phones and other devices that benefit from being built with impact protection in mind. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of the lesson students will know how to describe the characteristics of a cast product. They’ll also be able to explain why a designer may use a repeating module. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including video clips), 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.

This starter activity provides a quick, engaging introduction to a lesson focusing on the link between water pollution and health by considering the role of engineers in providing us with healthy water supplies Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals, which if then used for drinking or cooking, is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. The lesson therefore encourages students to think about the role of engineers in providing us with healthy water supplies and waste-water disposal systems. The activity also asks students to think more broadly about how engineers play a role in society, at times saving our lives. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in science, geography and engineering. Activity: Considering the role of engineers in providing us with healthy water supplies Students will watch our Safe drinking water film, and discuss how engineers play a role in saving peoples lives. Following this, students can work through our Running water handout, which provides information about the problems associated with water supplies and water pollution and how engineers work to solve these problems so that we can access clean water. Finally, students can take our quiz on the importance of water to human life. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about design materials. The engineering context To help ensure that we can access clean water freely, engineers can develop filtration systems to remove impurities, build water networks for distribution, and use chemical treatments to purify waste. They can also make reservoirs to make sure that there’s a reliable water supply as well as build wastewater treatment systems protect the environment. In areas with limited freshwater, engineers even design desalination plants to transform seawater into drinking water. Suggested learning outcomes At the end of this lesson students will be aware that clean water supplies and effective methods of waste-water disposal are essential for human health. They’ll also understand some of the methods that engineers create and use to make water safe. 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 (including video clips), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this entrepreneurial role-play activity, students will research and create a pitch to sell a remote surgery system. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in design and technology (DT). Activity: Researching and pitching the technology for a remote surgery system This activity tasks students with an exciting entrepreneurial challenge. Students must role play being a senior engineer who has been tasked with creating a compelling video pitch to sell your custom remote surgery systems to the Faratron Medical Institute. The system includes a surgeon interface, a communications link, and a patient interface. The Faratron Medical Institute wants answers to critical technical concerns: Students will review a list of several technical questions from the institute and prepare a video response that addresses at least three of these questions, demonstrating technical solutions and building confidence in remote surgery system. Students can use visuals, props, or a direct presentation style. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on our entrepreneurial challenge. The engineering context Engineers often need to be able to explain how their innovations work in order to gain backing for their projects, or even to secure funding to build their designs. Entrepreneurial skills can also inspire engineers to invent new things and set up their own start-up companies – which can often lead to exciting breakthroughs in the world of technology. Suggested learning outcomes Students will learn how to use research to approach problem solving. They’ll develop their communication skills while learning about how different engineering fields converge to solve complex medical problems. 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 (including video clips), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

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

Write a flowchart program to meet a given design brief Programming is an essential skill in the 21st century world. From mobile phones and tablet computers, to large ‘fly by wire’ passenger jet aircraft, our everyday lives are shaped by systems that have been programmed. These systems keep us safe, get us to work/school or allow us to communicate with our friends and family. The work of programmers is all around us. Almost all modern electronic systems and products have been programmed to perform different tasks. Learning how to program has therefore become an essential skill for both product and systems designers. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity which enables students to understand and be able to create flowcharts. This is one of the two main methods of programming (the other being raw code/programming language). 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. You can stream and download the related films by clicking on the appropriate link in the related resources section below. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this activity students will calculate the area of a circle to design a fault detector system. They’ll use a GeoGebra file to measure the size of the defect in hot steel bars produced by the company. They’ll then have to organise the information they receive into an understandable table. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in mathematics. Activity: Organising mathematical information to choose the optimum size for a ‘fault detector’ coil In this lesson students will engage in a roleplay activity that uses mathematical calculations to figure out the ideal size for a fault detection coil. A company has invented a system to find defects in hot steel bars. The hot cylindrical bar must pass through a defect detector which is shaped like a ring. To work properly the bar must fill between 60 to 80% of the area inside the detector ring. The activity starts with a warm-up question related to circles and percentages to introduce the concept of fault detectors used in factories, where students can check their answers with the fault detectors GeoGebra file. Then, students will need to use reasoning to work out a more challenging problem related to fault detector design. Students will use the same GeoGebra file but they’ll need to work out how to organise the given information to answer the question. Download our activity overview and presentation for a detailed lesson plan and worksheet with answers on making fault detectors using the area of a circle. The engineering context Engineers rely on fault detectors as an essential tool in various manufacturing processes to guarantee the quality of their products. To ensure the safety and dependability of products, engineers must carefully design fault detectors capable of precisely identifying any imperfections or defects. Suggested learning outcomes Working with both diameter and radius, students will be able to use a formula to calculate the area of a circle. They’ll also be able to organise data using tables. 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. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below. 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

In this activity, learners will design a new robot that could help people in the future. Programmable robotic systems are becoming an important part of industrial developments in design and technology. Robots are now being developed that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond accordingly. As such, this lesson asks students to explore how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products like a robot. This lesson can be followed by Programming the robot buggy with the BBC micro:bit, where learners use the micro:bit to develop a robotic buggy that can successfully navigate a maze or path. These resources are part of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in computing and design & technology (D&T). Activity: Designing a new robot that could help people in the future Students will first look at existing robots that are used to help people in our Future Robots presentation and then brainstorm how robots could further assist people in the future. Learners are tasked with designing a robot that’s unique. Their robot must include both electronic (e.g., programmable circuit board) and mechanical (e.g., motors for movement) parts and they students must explain how these systems work together. They can use our Future Robot Design handout to draw their robots, adding notes explaining how the electronic and mechanical systems function. Students should use technical language and justify their design decisions (explaining input/output placement, materials, construction methods, etc.). Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on how to design a robot. The engineering context Robotics is an ideal topic for teaching about programmable components and embedded intelligence in products. These are key parts of the programme of study for Design and Technology at key stage 3. It is also an ideal vehicle for using the BBC micro:bit in the classroom and developing the programming skills of learners. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to design a robot that can help people in the future. They’ll also improve their understanding of how electronic and mechanical systems can be integrated to create functioning products. 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 for free. 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.

Programming algorithms for drawing shapes In this programming activity, students will use the programming language Logo to understand and create algorithms for drawing shapes. Through creating their own unique shapes via algorithms, students will see their code come to life on screen. This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths, engineering and computing. Activity: Programming algorithms for drawing shapes The first part of this activity is intended to encourage students to examine a sequence of instructions, look for a pattern, and explain this pattern. The next problem asks the students to continue the pattern, making deductions about how the pattern will continue. Students are then challenged to produce a set of instructions for drawing different shapes before trying some designs of their own. They will be encouraged to use an online logo app like Papert to try out their instructions. Problem-solving questions will stimulate students to identify and extend a sequence, requiring reasoning and proof. The engineering context Algorithms form the backbone of many engineering processes, from automation and improving efficiency to data analysis and problem solving. As such, learning about algorithms prepares students for more advanced engineering studies. Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry are fundamental in multiple engineering fields such as civil engineering for structural design, electrical engineering for signal analysis, and mechanical engineering for understanding dynamics and mechanisms. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson plan aims to cover potential GCSE content such as identifying and explaining patterns and sequences, understanding the exterior angles of shapes, and applying Pythagoras and trigonometry. In the process, students will also develop key problem-solving skills as they predict sequences, work out instructions, and discuss their reasoning. This activity will also give students a deeper appreciation for the role of algorithms in our daily lives. 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 students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this solar panel STEM project, students will investigate the photovoltaic effect by manufacturing a simple circuit and integrating it into a product, in this case a version of the popular jitterbug project. The jitterbug is a device that moves due to vibrations caused by an off-centred mass on a motor’s driveshaft, can be powered by sunlight when connected to a photovoltaic (PV) cell. Learners will gain insight into the works of sustainable technology by learning about photovoltaic cells (these solar-powered cells are a primary component in renewable energy solutions). This is one of a set of resources developed to aid the class teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It is part of the ‘Let there be light’ scheme of work, which involves investigating how photovoltaic cells are used and then using this technology to make a series of electronic circuits of increasing complexity. This could form the basis of a Design and Make Assignment (DMA) project in design and technology (DT), with cross-curricular links with Science. The engineering context Understanding how to build a simple circuit is one of the fundamental skills in engineering. It provides the basis for understanding electricity and electronics, which are integral to many areas of engineering - from electrical and electronic engineering to computer engineering and even mechanical and civil engineering. Furthermore, photovoltaic cells, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. This technology plays a key role in renewable energy solutions, which are becoming increasingly important due to the global push towards sustainable living. Understanding how photovoltaic cells work gives students insights into this technology, preparing them for future innovations in the field. Suggested learning outcomes Upon completion of this lesson, students should have a comprehensive understanding of how photovoltaic cells work and how they can be integrated into a circuit. They will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing a simple circuit and integrating it into a product. This activity not only deepens their understanding of the photovoltaic effect but also exposes them to the practical side of electronics and product design. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including the video), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your class’s and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Producing a plan view will help children to develop drawing skills, while also introducing concepts such as dimensions, proportion, and scale. All through our fun, hand-on maths activity! Different types of drawing are used to communicate different types of information. Plan views see a section of an object as projected on a horizontal plane. In effect, a plan view is a 2D section drawing viewed from the top – this is different from a top view, which would see all of the features looking down from above. In the case of a room, for example, a plan view may show tabletops, chairs, doors etc., whereas a top view would also show the legs of the tables, light fittings etc. Plan views are widely used to show rooms or buildings from above. They may include measurements, furniture, appliances, or anything else necessary to the purpose of the plan. Plan views may be used to see how furniture will fit in a room, for example when designing a new kitchen, to show the builders the layout of a new building, or on estate agent’s literature to give potential buyers an indication of what a house is like. The lesson will help learners pick up an understanding of the practical uses of these drawings, from planning the layout of a room to presenting quite complex information about buildings. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum, particularly key stage two (KS2). It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and design and technology (DT). This could be used as a one-off activity, an extension to maths learning on scale, or linked to other school activities, such as preparing a map for parents evening. The engineering context Designers, engineers, and architects need to be able to communicate the details and features of rooms or products to other engineers, manufacturers, and users. This can include sizes, assembly instructions and layouts. Drawings are typically one of the main methods used for explaining this information – they can be found in every area of engineering and manufacturing. Suggested learning outcomes Children will learn about the purpose of a plan view drawing and be able to create one for themselves. They will also learn how to use dimensions and scale when drawing. Download our activity sheet and related teaching resources All activity 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 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. And please do share your classroom learning 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.

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

Identifying the ways in which water can be hazardous to human health This activity focuses on the link between water and health. It encourages students to think about the role of engineers in providing us with healthy water supplies and waste-water disposal systems by exploring the different ways in which water can be hazardous (and even fatal) to human health. 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. The lesson can be accompanied by the Water pollution and Spreading disease activities. **Activity: Identifying the ways in which water can be hazardous to human **health This activity gives students a quick, engaging introduction to the very real dangers of unclean water. It begins with students viewing our DHMO hazard statement presentation, which playfully lists various dangerous properties of…water! Once students realise that DHMO is simply water, they will view our Safe Drinking Water video which reinforces the very real dangers of water. Students then work in groups to analyse different ways water poses a risk to human health, and the class compiles a list of these hazards for further discussion. Students can also complete our World water quiz worksheet. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on the dangers of unclean water. The engineering context Engineers play a vital role in making sure that our water is safe to drink. Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases. Lack of efficient drainage systems and flood defences can lead to catastrophic flooding, as has been seen in several different areas of the world in the past few years. Suggested learning outcomes Once this lesson is complete students will understand that unclean water is the world’s number one killer. They’ll be able to explain that clean water supplies and effective methods of waste-water disposal are essential for human health as well as be able to state the chemical properties of water. 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 video clips!), 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.

Producing a CAD drawing of a design idea This activity involves using CAD to design a modular product that could be made in batches using the casting process. Students will be tasked with creating a mould that could be used to make this product. The aim of this activity is to design a shape that can be tessellated, have a practical application, and would look aesthetically pleasing as a modular set of products that can lock together. This project is part of a series of resources designed to challenge the students by requiring them to apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience. This activity should be followed by Investigating batch production . Also included in the series are Engineering design processes and Investigating cast products. 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 and technology (D&T). Activity: Producing a CAD drawing of a design idea In this activity students will design a modular product that could be made in batches using the casting process and create a mould that could be used to make this product. Students will be asked to design a set of identical products that interlock (are modular). The products must be suitable for batch production made by casting and be made from PoP (plaster of Paris). They’ll need to produce sketches of some design ideas and then choose one for modelling using CAD software. Students will next create a card model to test the interlocking feature and aesthetics of their design. After this they can make any necessary adjustments to their CAD drawing, and use use CAD/CAM to create an MDF mould. The engineering context Engineers will use CAD design as part of the process of making products. Items that have been designed this way are also ideal for batch production as they can be easily replicated. This links to industrial practices such as quality control, standardisation, and casting manufacture. Suggested learning outcomes This activity will teach students to analyse a design brief as well as generate ideas for a tessellated product that is suitable for batch manufacture. Students will also learn how to produce a CAD drawing of a design idea. 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 students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

Using the casting process to make a batch of a product In this activity students will use the casting process to create a small batch of identical products. The lesson is part of a series of resources designed to challenge students by requiring them to apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience. It followed on from our CAD design project . Also included in the series are Engineering design processes and Investigating cast products. 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 and technology (D&T). Activity: Using the casting process to make a batch of a product In this activity, students will use a prepared mould to create a small batch of identical products through a casting process. Students will mix the casting material (like plaster of Paris), pour it into the moulds, and allow the products to dry. Once complete, they will then carefully remove the products from the moulds. Students will need to record the dimensions of each product to identify any variations and explain why these might have occurred… Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on batch production. The engineering context Casting is a commonly used by engineers as a form of batch production, which is way of manufacturing many different forms of goods in an efficient way on a large-scale offering benefit such as mass production and quality control. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson will teach students how to carry out a basic batch manufacture of a cast product. At the end of the activity, students will be able to describe the advantages of batch production. 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 students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

What affects the properties of the material in a cast product? In this activity students will explore how changing the ratio of PVA glue to PoP (plaster of Paris) affects the strength of a composite material. They’ll test both tensile and compression strength to find the perfect mix. This activity is part of a series of resources designed to challenge the students by requiring them to apply the knowledge and understanding of engineering materials through a ‘batch’ production experience, including CAD design project , Investigating batch production, and Engineering design processes. 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 and technology (D&T). Activity: What affects the properties of the material in a cast product? In this activity students will investigate how the proportion of PVA glue added to plaster of Paris (PoP) affects the properties of the material produced in a cast product. Students will work in pairs to create card moulds. They will then mix different ratios of PVA, PoP, and water, pouring each mixture into duplicate moulds. After the test strips dry overnight, they’ll conduct two types of strength tests: a tensile test (hanging weights) and a compression test (using a G-clamp). They’ll then be tasked with analysing the results to determine how PVA affects the material’s strength. Look for patterns and identify the optimal ratio of PVA to PoP. Finally, decide on the best ratio for your future casting projects and present your findings to the class, using graphs or tables to support your conclusions. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on CAD design. The engineering context As part of the production process, engineers and designers must test the properties of different materials in order to select the best materials for their products to ensure that they’re suitable (e.g., are they strong enough for the activity that they’ll be used for?). Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to explain how to develop a product or material to improve the outcome (engineering materials). They’ll also learn how to set up an experiment that allows key decisions to be made from the outcome. Finally, they’ll be able to carry out a manufacturing and testing programme, understanding the importance of time allowance and quality control. 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 students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using the circumference formula and estimation to design an efficient revolving door This lesson tasks students with designing a functional and efficient revolving door. It tests practical maths skills such as estimation and calculating the circumference of a circle, while also challenging students with a fun design activity. It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in maths. Activity: Using the circumference formula and estimation to design an efficient revolving door In this activity students will examine the design of revolving doors for maximum efficiency both in terms of reducing space and minimising heat loss. They’ll firstly be tasked with calculating the idea entrance/exit arc length based on the door’s diameter. They’ll then be asked to estimate how many people can fit into each door section and how this will impact getting 200 people in and out of the building as the arrive and leave for work. The GeoGebra file Revolving doors allows teachers to demonstrate the problem and check the solution to the first task. Download our activity overview and Revolving door presentation for a detailed lesson plan on the maths behind designing a revolving door. The engineering context Revolving doors are energy efficient as they prevent drafts (via acting as an airlock), thus preventing increases in the heating or cooling required for the building. At the same time, revolving doors allow large numbers of people to pass in and out. As such, architects and engineers need to apply mathematics to their designs, which can help to determine how they will work in practice and whether or not they’re fit for purpose. Suggested learning outcomes Students will learn how mathematical concepts like circumference and arc length are applied to solving real-world design 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, 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 for free! Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.