An engaging activity in which students will develop a marketing strategy and advertising materials for the product. It will be taught through teamwork mirroring the design process within a ‘design consultancy.’ Each team will pitch for the tender at the end of the unit, presenting ideas to the class. This activity could be taught in design & technology, with the emphasis on product design or graphics.

How to draw an exploded view This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology and maths. This resource focusses on drawing exploded views of products. Different types of drawing are used to communicate different types of information. Exploded views show how the component parts of a product relate to each other. These are widely used to support the assembly of products, for maintenance activities and when building flat pack furniture at home. Producing an exploded view develops drawing skills, whilst simultaneously allowing concepts such as dimensions, proportion and scale to be introduced in a practical context. In this activity learners will produce an exploded view drawing of a pen, working in proportion and ideally to scale. This could be used as a one-off activity, an extension to maths learning on scale, or linked to D&T activities such as product analysis or section drawing. It could also be used in conjunction with the IET primary poster – Exploded Views. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Consider smart or modern textile technologies when making a sports kit This resource focusses on designing a modern, stylish kit for a national team that will be playing at the football World Cup. This STEM activity is one of a series of resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the football World Cup to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology. Students will consider the colours used in different national flags and existing kits. They will then produce their own design for a national team of their choice, which makes use of smart or modern textiles technologies. Please do remember to share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Find out the science behind ice During bad winters in the UK, we use nearly 2 million tonnes of salt to melt snow and ice. But how does salt melt ice? Watch our video and join Wilf Wonders as he explains the science behind melting ice and learn interesting fun facts that you can share this Christmas! Please do share your science highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Investigating how carbon dioxide affects temperature In this activity learners will discover the effects of mixing chemicals and the warming effects of the sun. They will undertake a controlled experiment to investigate how gases in the atmosphere affect the heat in an enclosed environment. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of the earth’s atmosphere, or as part of a series of lessons investigating environmental issues, the effect of global warming and greenhouse gasses. This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within Design & Technology, Science, Maths and Humanities. This resource, developed with the support of National Grid ESO, in a practical experiment that investigates how the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide affects the temperature is a closed environment. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing learners with pre-prepared jars and cling film. This activity is designed to take between 50-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required 4 large empty jars Cling film Scissors Masking tape Permanent marker Bicarbonate of soda White vinegar Measuring cups and spoons Elastic bands Thermometers (non-contact infra-red type preferred; if using a traditional contact type one thermometer will be needed for each jar) Heat source (radiator with a flat top or a sunny window) The engineering context Many human activities result in emissions of greenhouse gases. These can have a significant effect changing the climate and weather conditions that we experience. There is a wide range of possible ways to reduce these emissions. Engineers play a huge role in such areas, developing and implementing processes and materials that produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions, such as sustainable methods of power generation. Engineers also have a significant social influence on our behaviours as a society when we consider the future implications of our actions and consumption. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and be able to make a reaction between 2 materials/chemicals. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using Archimedes’ principle to investigate why boats float In this activity learners will learn what is meant by density. Learners will perform an experiment to see whether modelling clay moulded into different shapes either sinks or floats. They will discuss why this happens and how the principle demonstrated allows boats to stay afloat. This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource focuses on understanding density and, through practical measurement, working out which materials are low and high density, and which will therefore float or sink. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a mould to make the boat shape from the modelling clay or by pre-measuring the mass of modelling clay used. As an extension students could try adding small items into the modelling clay boat. How much weight can it carry before it sinks? Calculate the density of the ball and the boat shape made from modelling clay. This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes. Tools/resources required Bowls and trays Science beakers/Measuring jugs Weighing scales Water Modelling clay The engineering context The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts. Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how Archimedes’ principle works; that is two things are the same size, the one that is denser is heavier; and how boats use the Archimedes principle to stay afloat. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this lesson, students will learn about the development of aerodynamics through history. It’s an engaging starter activity where students will be introduced to the concepts behind aerodynamic design, including how simple shapes can be tested in a wind tunnel and through water. Learners will explore the basic principles of aerodynamics by looking at familiar products (such as cars) that have been designed for speed. As part of the lesson, students will examine how these products have evolved and how aerodynamic principles have influenced these developments. They’ll be asked to identify common features across different products and understand how these features all contribute to speed. 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 or design and technology (DT). Activity: Learning about the history of aerodynamics This activity will ask students to research images of a selection of cars and aeroplanes from the 20th and 21st centuries (without looking at exactly when they were made). Students will then try to arrange these images in chronological order and explain their decision-making process based on the aerodynamics of each vehicle. Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan for teaching students about the history of aerodynamics. The engineering context From making the fastest Formula One car, to designing more fuel-efficient aeroplanes, aerodynamics is a fundamental skill for mechanical engineers. By exploring the evolution of cars and airplanes, students will develop an appreciation for how advancements in aerodynamics technology have shaped the look and design of many cars and aeroplanes over the years. Suggested learning outcomes Students will be able to identify trends in the development of aeroplanes and cars. They will gain an understanding of what influenced these developments and be able to explain the role of aerodynamics as part of this. Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation 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.

Secondary classroom poster looking at the 3D printing process and how it can be used to make everyday objects. Download here or order a full set for free from the IET Education website.

**Play eye spy and tick off the items during traveling. ** Use our activity sheets, watch out of the window and tick off all the items you spot while traveling. There are two versions, one for younger children and one for those slightly older - both with questions to discuss along the way, and answer sheets to solve any mysteries. Download our free activity sheet today and get spying! Oh ho ho, and please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM

Create your own digital art Technology has helped to change the way we make art today. Learners can use this resource created with Archives of IT to find out how to take a good photo then create their own digital art using photos they have previously taken or that are available in school. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity learners will develop an understanding of some terms used in graphics and art, how to capture digital pictures, and how to edit digital images. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of the creative approaches of different artists. Alternatively, it could be used to introduce or reinforce how to use a digital camera and image processing software. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Downloadable content • Digital photography activity • Digital photography presentation Tools/resources required Digital cameras (or tablets with integrated cameras) Computers / laptops / tablets Image manipulation software, such as Paint or Paintz. 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. To view the videos, please visit the IET Education website

Work out how to reach destinations using a scale map In our daily life we take 21st-century technology for granted. Some could argue that we aren’t developing basic skills, as technology often does the work for us. When the technology fails, however, the absence of some necessary skills could create difficult situations. Can your students use our worksheet and presentation to work out how to reach a destination from a scale map? This activity is an engaging investigation into the uses of communications technology in the modern world. There is an opportunity to audit the students’ skills such as visualisation or map-reading to form a scale drawing. These are skills that may not have been developed due to the use of various electronic devices. As a visualisation activity, distribute the Lost Now presentation as a handout or display it using a data projector. This is an activity where the process of thinking about what the map might show is more important than the actual outcome of the sketch they would produce. The handout has text handouts that can be printed and given to the students. There is also a map using Ordnance Survey symbols that might be better displayed on a screen using a data projector. Students should complete the three activities outlined in the presentation either in groups or as individuals. Tools/resources required Ruler (a transparent ruler showing millimetres is best) Calculators Students will need Ordnance Survey symbols from the website below (either print sheets of the symbols or display them on a screen to save on copying). The engineering context 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. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to make informed decisions about technology for social, economic and environmental reasons, they will be able to use scale drawing and they will have an understanding of how waves are used to carry a communications signal. Download the free Reading maps and scale drawings activity sheet! All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Secondary classroom poster where students can find out more about working drawings and how they are created. Download the single poster here or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.

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

Select your own football team based on data and strategy In this engaging activity for kids, students will use their math skills to build their own football team. Fantasy football games and football cards are great ways to get involved with football, follow players and enjoy the game even when the match is over. These activities explore the maths of fantasy football and football cards. The purpose of this activity is to compare numbers and measures, add totals and find differences within the context of exploring the ways that footballers can be compared. The resource includes three different activities that allow students to consider who they want in their team, use stats to select players, and turn their team into Top Trump cards. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. You can download our step-by-step instructions as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Create a flowchart which identifies the properties of different shapes Flowcharts show the order in which a series of events is to be carried out. They are used for lots of purposes including; programming microcontrollers with instructions, mapping processes and sorting. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging activity in which students will make a flowchart to sort various shapes and ensure that each shape finishes in a unique place at the end of the flowchart. 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 to describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials In this activity, participants evaluate several everyday products, identifying the properties they need and the materials that would be suitable to make form. What are the properties that products need to be able to fulfil their required function: hard, soft, strong, weak, flexible, bendy, recyclable? What are the reasons why specific types of materials are used to make products? Understanding this will sow the seeds for learners to become informed consumers. As a class, consider a range of materials and discuss what properties are typically important. For example: Which bag is best for carrying heavy shopping: plastic or fabric? Which bowl would be best for a baby: glass or plastic? Which chair would be best for the outdoors: cardboard or plastic? Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on the evaluation of everyday products and what materials they are made from. Download the free activity sheets! 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. Tools/resources required Several actual products that the learners can hold and discuss The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Design investigations to test reaction times and ability to concentrate whilst driving In this activity students will design and carry out investigations to test reaction times and ability to concentrate. They will then try their test on older people and use their results to design a car of the future. Students will first be asked to discuss the opinion that road accidents are more likely to be caused by younger drivers. Make sure the students realise that this is an opinion and is not backed up with evidence. They could be asked how this opinion could be proved or disproved. Many different personal attributes can impact road safety, including a person’s vision, ability to concentrate, reaction times and mobility. The car of the future should be designed to help people overcome these issues. Students will carry out some tests in the classroom to give a reflection of how safe they would be as a driver. Students will work in groups of around 3-4 to plan and carry out their tests. They will gather data and state what it shows. Graphs can be drawn if there is time. For homework, students can repeat their experiment at home with older members of their family. In the following lesson, ask students to share their results with the rest of the group and discuss as a class what their results show. Are reaction times quicker in older or younger people? Which age group is less likely to get distracted? Tools/resources required Class access to computers with internet connection and headphones Paper/pens Rulers Projector Whiteboard The engineering context Understanding basic safety concepts is essential for engineers in the automotive industry. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to plan an investigation, deciding what measurements to take and what equipment to use, they will be able to choose how to present results and they will be able to use data to inform design. All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Measuring sizes of hands and presenting data Designers must consider how people will interact with their products and systems. The use of ergonomics and anthropometric data allows them to make sure their products are comfortable and efficient to use. This resource focuses on ergonomics in GCSE DT and the use of anthropometric data. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links An engaging KS4 activity in which students will collect data relating to the hand sizes of different people for use in designing a shopping bag carrier. It will build knowledge and understanding of how ergonomics and anthropometric data and anthropometric measurements are gathered for use in product design. 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. Linking to key exam boards such as GCSE DT providers AQA and Edexcel. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

Secondary classroom poster looking at how women are involved in the engineering industry.

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