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

In this activity, students will 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.

Identify which components can be used as electronic sensors The role of smart sensors in our everyday lives is becoming increasingly fundamental. The Smart Sensor Communications topic focuses on what smart sensors are, how they are being used today and how they can be innovative in the future. In this activity, the focus is on how sensors can be used to detect changes in the environment and can be used as part of a monitoring or control system. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging starter activity introducing students to the devices that can be used as part of an electrical system to monitor changes, and showing them that the characteristics of a device can vary according to changes in the environment. 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 free activity sheet! 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

Consider ethical and moral issues around new technology This engaging activity allows students to consider the social, ethical and moral issues associated with the development of new technology. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with PSHE, PSE, PSD. 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). Activity: Consider ethical and moral issues around new technology Students will be divided into groups and given a scenario: the creation of the world’s first entirely autonomous robot surgeon. Some groups, representing the engineers, scientists, and doctors who designed the robot, will argue for the continuation of the project. Other groups, representing patients’ groups and doctors’ unions, will argue against further development due to perceived risks. Using a newspaper article and worksheet as guides, students will formulate robust arguments for their assigned viewpoints. They’ll then pair up and debate the issue, striving to reach a mutually agreed way forward. The engineering context This activity demonstrates how engineers must grapple with not only the technical challenges of designing new technology but also its societal implications. It highlights the importance of considering varying viewpoints and ethical concerns when developing new technologies. Suggested learning outcomes Through this activity, students will gain a deep understanding of what remote surgery entails and the social, ethical, and moral implications of such technological advances. They’ll also learn to appreciate that different groups may have varying perspectives on scientific and technological progress. By engaging in structured debates, students will enhance their analytical skills, learn to articulate their viewpoints persuasively, and develop the ability to negotiate and compromise. 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 film 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

Argue for and against different technological products The ‘Who’s the winner’ scheme of work provides students with an opportunity to collect data which they can use as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sport activities. This activity provides a context for the scheme, by focusing on the wider issues relating to society and health. It helps set the scene for the ‘question of sport’ unit of activities by providing a ‘big picture’ in relation to the connection between society and health and the development of new technologies. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity which allows students to explore social, ethical, economic and health issues relating to the Nintendo Wii and present their findings in a persuasive, coherent and focussed argument. 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 free 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. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Learn how mathematicians predict UK’s future water usage In this activity students will explore water consumption by looking at mathematical modelling and its real-world application in predicting water usage. Students will estimate their daily water consumption, interpret complex data, and apply their mathematical skills to understand why water usage is a significant issue. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths, science and design & technology (DT). This lesson plan follows on from Water Conservation and continues the theme of water usage developed in the Sewage Tunnels activity but can be delivered independently should the teacher wish. Activity: Comparing water usage within the UK to that of other countries In this activity, students start by estimating their daily water usage. They then delve into complex data from the Environment Agency, interpreting different scenarios and their potential impact on future water requirements. Students will develop their own spreadsheet tool, inspired by the one on the Southern Water website, to help others estimate their water usage. They’re encouraged to improve upon the existing tool and even write to the Water Board with their suggestions. Download our activity overview, presentation and worksheet for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about water consumption. We also have a class quiz. The engineering context This activity highlights the intersection of mathematics, science, policy-making, and engineering in addressing real-world problems. By engaging in this activity, students will understand how engineers use mathematical models to predict future scenarios and develop solutions for sustainable water usage. They’ll see first-hand how engineering can make a significant impact on society and the environment. Suggested learning outcomes This lesson plan is designed to equip students with the ability to analyse and interpret a wide range of data, understand the application of mathematical modelling in real-world situations, and use their mathematical knowledge to review, recreate, and improve presented information. Students will also gain insights into the importance of water conservation and the challenges in meeting increasing water demands. Download our activity sheet for free! The lesson plan 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 worksheets and supporting lesson plan resources are free to download (including film 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

Compare water usage within the UK to that of other countries In this engaging activity students will examine the link between water usage at home and the number of people living in their household, as well as comparing the water usage within the UK to that of other countries. It involves estimating personal daily water usage, interpreting complex data, and understanding how different lifestyles impact water usage. It’s a great opportunity for students to apply their mathematical and analytical skills to real-world problems. 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, science and design & technology (DT). This lesson plan continues the theme of water usage developed in the Sewage Tunnels activity but can be delivered independently should the teacher wish. There is also a follow-on Water Consumption activity. Activity: Comparing water usage within the UK to that of other countries Students must estimate how much water they use each day and apply their mathematical understanding to interpret a wide range of complex data to develop their appreciation of why water usage is such an important issue. The resource ‘Water consumption’ is also available as an extension activity. Download our activity overview, presentation and worksheet for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about water conservation. We also have a class quiz. The engineering context Students will learn how engineers use mathematical modelling to predict and address issues related to water usage and conservation. By demonstrating how engineering can be used to solve real-world problems, students will see the relevance and importance of their mathematical studies. Suggested learning outcomes Upon completion of this activity, students will have enhanced their ability to analyse and interpret a broad range of data. They will gain a deeper understanding of how mathematical modelling is used in real-world scenarios to predict outcomes and solve problems. Additionally, by reviewing, recreating, and possibly improving the mathematical information presented by a Water Board, students will significantly boost their mathematical understanding and application skills. Download our activity sheet for free! The lesson plan 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

Consider history of energy sources and their pros and cons This lesson plan is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the changing use and types of energy sources over time. It’s an engaging resource that delves into how and why the variety of energy sources used domestically have evolved, offering a broader context for understanding the development of new types of energy sources and the factors propelling these changes. Taking a journey through history, learners will see the evolution of energy sources, from primitive times to the present day. They’ll consider the advantages and disadvantages of different energy types and how technology and societal needs have influenced their adoption. This exploration will provide them with a foundation to understand the importance of new energy sources and the complexities involved in their development. 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, maths and design and technology (DT). Activity: Considering the history of different types of energy sources and their pros and cons In this activity, students will create a timeline showcasing the development and implementation of a specific energy source. They’ll start by brainstorming different types of energy sources used throughout history, then discuss how these sources are used in homes. Each team will research their allocated energy source, noting key points in its development, what made it popular, and factors that made it less desirable. The engineering context Every new energy source represents a triumph of engineering – a solution to a problem, an improvement on what came before. This activity will show students how engineers have shaped our energy landscape throughout history. By understanding the challenges and triumphs in developing new energy sources, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the field of engineering and may be inspired to become the problem solvers of the future. Suggested learning outcomes By participating in this activity, students will gain the ability to illustrate how mankind’s energy sources have evolved over time. They’ll understand the factors that necessitated and facilitated the change in our energy sources, and why some alternative sources were adopted faster than others. This comprehensive understanding will enable them to appreciate the complexities of developing new energy sources, and the economic and environmental considerations involved. Download our 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. 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

Investigate and understand the technology that is required for remote surgery A session focused on Internet research and presentation skills. Students work in teams to investigate the technology that is required for remote surgery and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and ethical issues of such procedures. Students are given the example of a patient who, after suffering a series of heart attacks is about to undergo heart surgery in a hospital where a new pacemaker will be inserted using remote surgery. They are responsible for reassuring the patient ‘Luigi’ about the procedure and the aftercare. Download the free activity sheet! And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Testing fitness to decide whether people should engage in computer-based sport With such a wide variety of fitness-based computer games available, this engineering activity for kids encourages children to collect data to find out if video games for fitness have the desired effect on fitness levels. Do technology games really enhance fitness? Can you increase your fitness levels by being in front of a gaming computer? Use this activity to help answer these questions while at the same time questioning the validity of data and the difficulties of carrying out a fair test. This lesson involves a series of discussions and ranking activities to develop students understanding of the link between fitness, pulse rate, respiration, and activity. This activity was designed as a science activity but would be an excellent opportunity to be taught in conjunction with PE and mathematics. Students will divide themselves into groups of 4 to 6 and have a discussion to establish what the group understands by the meaning of the word ‘fitness’ and clarify a group definition. Students should consider the following questions: what do we mean by someone’s level of fitness? What is a pulse rate? What is respiration and where does it happen? Why do we need our heart and blood? What is energy and how does it relate to activity? What you will need Projector Whiteboard The engineering context The ‘Who’s the winner’ scheme of work provides students with an opportunity to collect data which they can use as evidence to debate whether people should be encouraged to engage in computer-based sports activities. The investigation highlights how difficult it is to control all variables and therefore carry out a fair test. The students’ evaluation of the investigation will allow them the chance to question the validity of the data, question the size of the data set used and question the time span data needs to be collected over before it can be used to confirm a claim. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this engaging activity students will be able to explain what is meant by fitness, pulse rate and respiration and how they are affected by activity. They will also be able to explain how fitness relates to level of activity. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can stream and download the related films for free by clicking on the appropriate link in the related resources section below. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Explore a range of engineered and smart materials The Materials fit for purpose activity comprises a series of short, focused tasks with a strong emphasis on developing creative thinking. Students explore a range of smart materials to identify why they have been specifically designed and engineered to provide the requisite properties and characteristics for a given purpose. This activity requires students to be creative when applying knowledge and understanding in science to a design and technology context. This has a predominantly design and technology, and engineering focus, although the activities could be used in science, either as starters or extension activities. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard 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 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

Design and build your own water filtration system 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. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to investigate different possible ways of filtering dirty water to improve its cleanliness by designing and building their own water filtration systems. The lesson can be extended with a practical session in which students work in small teams to investigate the salinity of different water samples – see the related extension activity ‘Water Treatment Systems’ within the related activities section below. The engineering context 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. Engineers and scientists work to provide us with safe, clean drinking water, with efficient and clean methods for disposing of our waste water and practical drainage solutions. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to recall the different types of impurities that can contaminate water. As well as this, they’ll know how to describe how water filtration equipment acts in several different ways to produce potable (drinkable) water. 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

Design an experiment to test advertisement claims on water filtration equipment Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer. Water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals, which is 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. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity gets students to design an experiment or experiments which will test the claims of companies producing various types of domestic water filtration equipment. It can take 60 - 90 minutes to complete depending on the number of adverts chosen from the ‘Product advertisements’ student handout, and if the related short film is shown as an introduction to the session. You can stream and download this film for free by clicking on the link in the related resources section below. 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

Use mathematics to explain how devices can be on or off Through investigating binary numbers and their role in representing electrical devices as on or off, students will see mathematics in action. Students will get to explore the technology behind the Nintendo Wii and apply this knowledge to design an interactive ‘tag’ game. The activity not only enhances their understanding of communication methods and technologies but also hones their critical thinking and independent investigation skills. This hands-on approach makes maths both tangible and relatable, sparking their interest and demonstrating how integral maths is in everyday life. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It has been designed to support the delivery of key topics within mathematics. As part of the ‘Time for a game’ scheme of work, this activity provides an electronics systems context for students to explore infrared technologies. Other activities include Inputs and outputs of design and Electromagnetic spectrum. Activity: How use maths to identify households that will be most affected by fuel poverty In this activity students will investigate the use of binary numbers. Students will work in teams to represent different numbers through standing (for 1) or sitting (for zero). They will brainstorm applications for binary numbers and delve deeper into selected applications. Each step is designed to maximise engagement and learning, making maths a challenge rather than a chore. Download our worksheet for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students how to use maths to explain how devices can be on or off The engineering context Understanding how binary numbers operate in electronic devices lays the foundation for a future career in engineering. Binary numbers play a fundamental role in the field of engineering, particularly in computer and electrical engineering. They form the basis of all digital systems, including computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will have a solid understanding of binary numbers and their applications in electronic devices. They will appreciate the role of maths in technology, improving their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This activity also fosters teamwork and encourages independent investigation, equipping students with key skills for their academic journey and beyond. Download our activity sheets 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.

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.

Analyse an existing product and how this could affect the design of a new product In this activity students will learn about ergonomics and design by analysing a wireless product using ACCESS FM. Learners will identify strengths and weaknesses and consider how to improve the product. Learning about ergonomics is a fantastic introduction to engineering for children, allowing them to step into the world of designing and improving products in a practical way. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3. It can be effectively taught within design technology (DT) as part of the curriculum for systems and control, electronic products, or product design, or through science. In this lesson, students will work in teams to conduct a product analysis of a provided wireless product, such as a TV with a remote control or a remote control car. What does ergonomics mean in design technology (DT)? In design technology (DT), ergonomics refers to the process of designing products, systems or processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people who use them. It’s about ensuring that designs align with the capabilities and limitations of the user, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety. The engineering context Ergonomics & design is a crucial aspect of engineering that focuses on the interaction between humans and the products, systems, or environments they use. It aims to improve these interactions by making them more comfortable, efficient, and safe. Learning about ACCESS FM helps aspiring engineers understand the multifaceted nature of product design. It equips them with the knowledge to consider all the different factors that can impact a product’s success, from its cost and aesthetics to its environmental impact and safety. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and effective designs. Suggested learning outcomes The completion of this activity will enable students to explain how the analysis of existing products could affect the design of a new product. Students will gain a deep understanding of product design principles, the factors that influence design decisions, and how improvements can be made based on thorough product analysis. Download our activity sheets for free! The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation

In this 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.

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.

Discuss the work of medical engineers and the use of smart materials for prosthetics The development of new materials with incredible properties is changing the way we live. From LCD TVs to super light airliners, these materials have quickly found their way into pretty much all of the modern technology around us. One area where modern materials have made a huge impact is in the development of prosthetic devices. Some of these devices are beginning to outperform ‘natural’ body parts. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity is a quick, engaging introduction to a lesson looking at the properties of modern materials. With the help of a series of short videos ‘Nature Reinvented’, ‘Prosthetic design’ and ‘Bionic Limbs’, students make the connection between materials, prosthetics and the way in which engineers work. The activity sheet includes teachers’ 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 free 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. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation