I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
Complete lesson on Energy Efficiency, Sankey Diagrams & Efficiency Calculation with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses a correct the statements challenge to recap previous content to this topic
Main includes a step by step guide to drawing Sankey diagrams with questions for pupils attempt following. Also covered is efficiency calculation.
Lesson concludes with independent task on comparing filament and CFL bulbs.
Included is a 6 mark exam question homework with peer marking description for use in following lesson (homework hand-in date).
Worksheet includes Sankey diagrams task and calculating efficiency task to be printed on one A4 sheet to save on printing. Set-up to print '2 pages per sheet' to produce one worksheet.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Pressure and Volume' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain the effects of changing pressure on volume of a gas (and vice versa).
- Use the equation ‘PV=constant’ (Boyle’s Law) to solve problems.
- Correctly explain trends in terms of proportionality.
- Explain the effects of quickly compressing a gas on temperature.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Centre of Mass' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter simply looks at balancing object on one finger and how intuitively we can know how to do this. Then stability of different shapes is reviewed and again highlighted how we can assess whether something will be stable or not. The physics of this is then applied in terms of centre of mass. The technique to find the centre of mass for a symmetrical shape is detailed and practices with questions.
Suspended equilibrium and centre of mass is shown using a hanging bird cage and can also be demonstrated in class with a simple mass and string. Then an experiment is outlined to find the centre of mass of irregular shapes.
Centre of mass it then related to real life contexts for practice exam questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what is meant by centre of mass.
- Find the centre of mass for a simple symmetrical object and explain this position.
- Find the centre of mass of an irregular shaped object.
- Apply the principle of centre of mass to real-life problems.
Complete lesson on thermal radiation and surfaces with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter includes picture prompts for key words from heat transfer topic.
Main includes experiment which requires some resources to be prepared with simple materials if not already available but can be easily produced.
Fun infra-red images of different objects and animals for a guessing game.
Plenary uses recent news item on LA reservoir to challenge pupil thinking.
Included are plenty of questions where some can be set as homework.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Resolution of Forces' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
The starter provides some simple combination of forces questions to review the subject of resultant forces - one question has two forces acting on different planes which pupils will be unfamiliar with and therefore how to solve - this prompts the lesson.
The intuitive resultant force and direction is highlighted but also how we need to calculate exactly what they are.
The parallelogram/geometric method is taught step by step with a worked example, this is done a second time with another example but with the class prompted to follow it and do the same on their own paper which also allows for discussion of difference in results.
A collection of questions allows pupils to practice use of this method.
This method is then used for inclined planes to explain frictional force acting to put object in equilibrium on inclined planes. Review questions again allow pupils to practice this.
Lesson Objectives:
- Review resolving simple combination of forces.
- Identify when forces are acting on different lines/planes.
- Calculate the resultant force on an object which has equal forces acting on different lines/planes.
- Calculate the resultant force on an object which has unequal forces acting on different lines/planes.
A worksheet is not provided as it is best for pupils to work on their own paper to define their own scales for this methodology.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Electrical Power (E=Pt & P=IV) including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter focuses on units and what they measure as a nice recap of all P2 units of measure.
Power and a key definition is provided is reviewed through relatable examples and then put into the context of electrical devices. Examples of calculating power from energy used and time are provided with a worksheet for this. Activity included for power rating circus is optional as alternatively another worksheet is provided allowing the exercise to be completed without a power rating circus.
Energy is then related to current and potential difference with the key equations and exercised with a worksheet.
Finally questions to identify appropriate fuse ratings for electrical devices.
More P2 lessons to come.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Terminal Velocity including key content from AQA exam specification and relevant to Edexcel.
The starter begins with a question regarding throwing a penny off the Empire State Building - a common myth surrounding this which is dealt with during this lesson on terminal velocity.
Forces and size represented by arrows are quickly recapped and related to skydiving which allows for good class discussion.
A class activity is detailed which uses just a stopwatch, meter rule and cut-out provided. This task investigates air resistance and it's effect on time to fall to the ground. The conclusions drawn from this can lead to the class to summarise what air resistance is and how it increases and decreases.
Terminal velocity is then explained through an animation of a skydive which is summarised by the class.
An extended activity uses a v-t graph relating to a skydive with key questions to challenge pupils.
The lesson finishes with a TRUE or FALSE quiz and then revisiting the initial started question.
More P2 lessons to come
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Infrared Radiation & Black body radiation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Bundled together is 2 complete lessons on infra-red radiation with different learning objectives and activities.
LESSON 1 - Infrared radiation and black body radiation
Lesson starts with optical illusion which makes white dots appear black, this is to start thoughts on what black is and engage students with something a bit different. The difference between heat and temperature is discussed to lead to what infrared radiation is. A question posed about whether ice gives off infrared radiation consolidates a key point. Thermal imaging is explored with how it works and a guess what it is exercise of infrared images.
Different shades of black are shown to discuss what black does in terms of visible light, leading to an explanation of perfect black body radiation. Black body radiation and infrared emission at varied temperatures is discussed (including a link to a useful simulation). The effect of absorption and emission of infrared on bodies is detailed concluding with summary question on the topic.
Lesson Objectives:
State the difference between heat and infra-red radiation.
Explain what is meant by ‘black-body radiation’.
Identify the effects of infra-red radiation can have on a body.
Relate the effects of absorption and emission of infra-red radiation has on a body.
LESSON 2 - Infrared radiation, surfaces and bodies
The use of black balls on the LA reservoir is shown in gif images to pupils to discuss why they did this. Absorption and emission of infrared is reviewed briefly. This leads to factors which effect the Earth's temperature and how greenhouse gases impact this. An experiment to investigate different surfaces and infrared emission, absorption and reflection is outlined. The key points from this investigation are summarised for note taking. A true or false activity reviews previous content followed by review questions. Infrared emission, absorption and reflection is applied through questioning to the Earth & the moon, satellites in space and the starter on the LA reservoir.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify and explain key factors that effect the temperature of the Earth.
Investigate and identify the properties of different materials and their effect on infra-red radiation.
Apply your knowledge of infrared radiation and surfaces to real life problems.
Explain why the temperature on the Moon is different to the Earth.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy Transfer by Conduction' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Choice of two different starters to prompt discussion of heat transfer by conduction. Either looking at cooking using rods through meat or placing ice on different materials to melt.
A series of scenarios are shown involving heat conduction which allow pupils to discuss why things feel hot or cold.
A class experiment is provided which uses different material rods to identify which one conducts heat quickest. The results of this are then discussed with questions to start promoting good scientific investigation skills.
Thermal conductivity is explored by looking at the meaning of each words separately and then together. Pupils are then to put a number of different material in order of thermal conductivity, which is then discussed for common materials which are highly conductive or poorly conductive. This leads onto thermal insulation and some final review questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Provide definitions for conductors and insulators.
2) Identify common conductors and insulators and explain in relation to thermal conductivity.
3) Relate thermal conductivity to rate of energy transfer.
4) Explain ways in which rate of heat transfer can be reduced.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic energy’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter relates the previous lesson on ‘work done’ to the current lesson on energy which also brings in the idea of conservation of energy.
Provided a clear explanation of gravitational energy and how this relates to work done students are given the equation which they can immediately use with the ‘book shelf’ activity. Books each of mass 1 kg are flown across different height shelves where students must then calculate their gravitational potential energy.
The idea of kinetic energy is explored by looking at different size vehicles and their top speeds and what this might mean for their kinetic energy. Following the explanation of the equation the students then complete an activity with different vehicles moving across the screen with their speeds and masses visible for student to calculate the kinetic energy of each.
The Elastic potential energy equation is reviewed and then students are able to apply it with review questions.
The elastic potential energy and kinetic energy equations are reviewed in focus to show how they can be re-arranged to make extension and velocity the subject.
Exam questions are provided as a plenary.
Home work questions are provided for review.
Exam questions are given as a plenary task.
Lesson Objectives:
Provide definitions for kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
Apply at least two energy equations to problems successfully.
Apply and re-arrange all energy equations to problems.
Relate work done to changes in energy stores.
A bundle of resources aimed at the new GCSE AQA specification Nuclear Physics Unit.
Lessons included:
- Introduction to Atoms & Nuclear Radiation
-Atomic Model, Plum pudding and Bohr’s model of the atom.
-Atoms and Radiation.
- Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation.
- Radioactivity and Half-life.
- Nuclear Radiation Uses (Medicine).
- Nuclear Fission.
- Nuclear Fusion.
Additional lesson to be added on ‘the discovery of nuclear radiation.’
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Forces and Elasticity written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts by discussing what elasticity is in relation to familiar, everyday objects which then challenge pupil thinking with ‘slo-mo’ videos of these objects being impacted.
Elasticity is then further explored with compression and tension in springs and also related to other objects.
To assist pupils in their understanding of the force extension graphs for materials proportionality is reviewed mathematically.
A class experiment is detailed using simple Physics equipment to test everyday materials for to produce a force-extension graph. Conclusions can then be drawn from the data produced in this experiment.
Hooke’s law is detailed and related to a simply spring extension experiment and used to highlight spring constants.
Plenary poses a summary question for pupils to answer with detailed responses showing their understanding of elasticity.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify objects in compression or tension.
- Explain what is meant by a proportional relationship.
- Describe an experiment to extension of an object due to force applied.
- Interpret and draw conclusions from a force-extension graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Pressure and Surfaces’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter looks at a balloon being pressed down onto a bed of nails - details of how to set this up simply with thumbtacks (obvious as it is) can be found in the notes box.
Following this a problem of dog trapped on thin ice is presented for pupils to come up with potential rescue attempts to avoid breaking the ice. The concept of pressure is consolidated with the example of thumb tack being pressed into a wall - the equation for pressure is then detailed.
To make use of the pressure equation an elephant and person in stiletto heels are compared mathematically to find which exerts the greatest pressure. Pupils are then guided to calculate the amount of pressure they exert onto the floor whilst standing.
The lesson is concluded with a set of review question.
Lesson Objectives:
- State what pressure is and be able to calculate it.
- Identify the units for pressure.
- Explain the relationship between pressure, force and area.
- Apply knowledge of pressure to different problems.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Reflection of Light (Diffuse and specular reflection) ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify and explain different methods of reflecting waves.
Investigate the law of reflection.
Draw ray diagrams for different objects.
Explain and draw virtual images.
Explain what happens to light rays when they reflect of different types of surfaces.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Light and Colour ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what is meant by the visible light spectrum.
Detail the different colours on the visible light spectrum and relate to wavelength.
Explain how surfaces appear to be certain colours.
Compare and contrast translucent and transparent objects and their interaction with light.
(upated 07/11/2019)
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Momentum including key content from AQA exam specification.
The starter begins with getting pupils to relate size and velocity of moving bodies to momentum.
The equation for momentum is clearly explained and designed with an exercise in rearranging the equation (with the triangle technique). Questions follow to practice the use of this equation.
Momentum is consolidated with a literacy task relating to a Newtons cradle.
Conservation of momentum is detailed in relation to collisions with questions and answers to practice answering questions relating to this.
Conservation of momentum is detailed in relation to explosions with questions and answers to practice answering questions relating to this.
More P2 lessons to come
Completely resourced lesson on distance-time graphs with key content from AQA and Edexcel Physics.
Lesson begins with a review of the use of graphs to present data and relationships, highlighting key graph vocabulary and trends.
Speed, distance and time is briefly recapped with the equation and some simple questions.
An exercise in plotting distance-time graphs from a short description allows pupils to understand what different trends mean on a d-t graph by plotting them, themselves.
Following this it is explained in detail how a d-t graph gradient calculates speed by relating this clearly to the equation for speed.
A class experiment is detailed if you wish to allow your pupils to carry this out but if not another activity following summarises the same concepts through a pre-prepared worksheet.
A homework task is included that will require some modelling from the teacher.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Nuclear Fission ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Learning Objectives for Fission lesson:
State and explain what is meant by Nuclear Fission.
State the isotopes commonly used in Nuclear Power stations.
Explain the process of a nuclear fission chain reaction.
Identify and explain in detail the key features of a Nuclear Power station.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'EM spectrum details' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength, frequency and energy.
2) Explain in detail with different uses up to 4 EM waves.
3)Explain in detail with different uses of all 4 EM waves.
4) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
GCSE lesson on specific heat capacity including key content from AQA GCSE Physics.
Includes an example which could be used as an teacher demo if wished for starter.
Lesson focuses on words to inform what specific heat capacity means to help understand the equation and units. Questions included for practice of using equation for exam to secure marks in exam.
Also an exam question is attached at the end.
More P1 lessons in same format.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach