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 heat transfer by design with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter includes a simple teacher demo and competition if you wish to make it that way.
Main includes simple challenge for pupils using simple equipment and key information and tasks on heat transfer applications.
Plenary uses 6 mark exam question.
Home structure included for pupils that would prefer to not draw their own for home insulation task.
More lessons to follow in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete lesson on methods of generating electricity with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses a series of riddles for pupils to identify different energy resources.
Activity sheet included to identify key part of a fossil fuelled power station leading to discussion on processes and advantages & disadvantages.
Main includes a timed web-quest for pupils to research the different methods of generating electricity (useful links are included in the Power Point comment box which can be used for lower ability pupils to assist in finding appropriate information).
Following webquest the slides provide key notes on each method with advantages & disadvantages.
Lesson concludes with literacy task to compare and contrast the different methods of generating electricity (can be set as homework).
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete GCSE Physics lessons on Static Electricity using key content from AQA Physics P2.
Starter begins with discussion of a popular lightning myth/misconception which will be revisited at the end of the lesson.
The structure of the atom is reviewed leading to how atoms can gain a charge and therefore how objects can become charged.
The main consists of two simple experiments for pupils to do using safe and simple equipment to explore statics.
Questions on the Van der Graaf are included with links to videos and a simulator if the teacher doesn't have access to a Van der Graaf.
Lesson is consolidated by revisiting the starter reviewing pupil knowledge.
More P2 lessons to come.
Complete lesson on the cost of electricity with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter get pupils to identify value of unit prefixes as this is important for using the kWh.
Main uses a task where pupils must calculate the cost of a electricity bill for a family of 4 from a months usage of electrical devices detailed within the worksheet - challenging task which requires scaffolding for lower ability pupils.
Lesson concludes with relevant exam style questions
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete lesson on Refraction with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses two simple demo's to show refraction with fun 'tricks'
The main uses the refraction experiment with a clear guide on method, can also use prism experiment to show refraction of white light into different colours for discussion. Key relationships of different density substances explained and also refraction itself explained with visuals.
Challenge task on how corrective lenses work
Plenary uses simple exam style question.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on atomic structure, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
Lesson Objectives:
- Recall and detail the basic structure of an atom.
- Relate number of protons, electrons and neutrons to mass and atomic numbers.
- Explain how atoms form ions & identify the isotopes of different elements.
- Explain radioactivity in terms of alpha, beta and gamma radiation.
The lesson guides pupils very clearly through exactly what radioactivity is by starting with the atom and so isotopes.
Starter prompts pupils to find the key words for the lesson using a 'say what you see' game.
Following a review of the atoms structure and properties through questioning. A task exploring the periodic table using relative atomic mass and atomic number familiarises pupils with these as they are important later.
Ions are reviewed through a task using visuals of atoms/ions to identify ions or atoms with appropriate charge. This then leads onto explaining what isotopes which can then be linked to unstable elements.
Radioactivity is then explained through a basic description relating to like charges of protons in the nucleus and the required binding energy to hold the nucleus together.
Alpha, Beta and Gamma are then reviewed with visuals of the process to relate to pupils clearly what happens.
A literacy task summarises and reviews the lesson.
MORE RADIOACTIVITY LESSONS TO FOLLOW SOON!
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 ' 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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electrical Power and potential difference' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter looks at the power of different devices of very different orders of magnitude. Following this a quick activity looks at powers and conversion using Watts as the unit to convert - reviews nW, µW, mW, W, kW, MW, GW.
The power and energy transferred equation is reviewed briefly through review questions.
The equation for power using voltage and current is introduced and how to re-arrange it. Fuse ratings are discussed with appropriate choice of fuse rating highlighted.
Energy transfer by heating in conductors/resistors is reviewed and then related to the Power equation using resistance and current. How to re-arrange this is shown in detail.
The lesson concludes with a series of review questions and exam style questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State a definition for power.
2) Calculate the power of an appliance by the energy transferred.
3) Relate potential difference and current to electrical power.
4) Identify appropriate fuse ratings for appliances.
5) Identify the uses of resistance in conductors and calculate power using resistance.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy and Power of Electrical Devices' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter gets pupils discussing common electrical devices and the useful and wasteful energy transfers they make.
To start looking at Power pupils discuss what power means for familiar figures.
Main includes a clear description of what Power is in Physics and an explanation of the units. This lead onto clear example of using the equation and to a classroom activity looking at power rating of electrical devices and making energy transferred calculation from them.
Included is a review of the power efficiency calculation with examples.
A task sheet allows pupils practice use of the lessons knowledge.
A final line of questioning draws on knowledge of previous topics to review and consolidate content.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State and explain what power is and the unit for power.
2) Relate power ratings to different electrical devices.
3) Calculate power rating of electrical devices.
4) Calculate the energy used and wasted by devices and therefore their efficiency.
Worksheet includes 'Energy & Power' task to be printed on one A4 sheet to save on printing. Set-up to print '2 pages per sheet' to produce one worksheet.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Newtons Second Law - Force and Accerlation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter prompts pupils to discuss how there weight would vary on different planets, this is to set-up how weight is different to mass.
Key terms Force, mass and acceleration are reviewed for clarity leading to the equation F=ma, the units, how it can be rearranged and then review questions to practice the use of.
The equation is then reviewed in terms of proportionality as required by the AQA specification.
Following this F=ma is related to W=mg to highlight that weight is a force and different to mass. This then leads to pupils calculating their mass on different planets - alternatively a task is provided to calculate the mass of a schoolbag on different planets.
For higher tier pupils intertial mass is explained.
Learning Objectives:
- Clearly explain what force, mass and acceleration are.
- Relate how mass and acceleration effect the size of a force.
- Calculate the resultant force on an object by its mass and acceleration.
- Explain the difference between weight and mass.
- What is meant by inertia (Higher Tier)
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Internal Energy' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Starter discussed whether a glass of water has energy of not to see what conclusions pupils can draw on this from previous lessons. This leads to a view of a substance on a microscopic scale to highlight that the particles are moving, therefore pupils should be able to deduce must have energy in order to move. Internal energy is then shown to be this energy in substance due to kinetic energy and potential energy. After revisiting the starter how to increase internal energy is discussed The different states of matter are review again but now in relation to internal energy with helpful graphics to support these points. How much energy in a substance is related to specific heat capacity which is typically covered earlier in the course so this provides a great opportunity to review of this topic. Lesson concludes with review questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what is meant by internal energy.
- Identify and explain how you can increase internal energy.
- Relate internal energy to properties of solids, liquids and gases.
- Explain how particles in a gas exert a pressure.
New AQA GCSE lesson on Scalars and Vectors (+ Forces) written in line with new GCSE AQA specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter asks how far away a school is from a home - this prompts responses from pupils that either follow the road or straight across the field. This introduces the idea of distance and displacement which is explained in detail. This is also used to explain magnitude, scalars and vectors. A series of questions review pupils understanding of distance and displacement.
A quick class activity reviews a number of different variables to classify each as scalar or vector.
Speed and Velocity are identified as a scalar and vector by reviewing the equations and then also related to acceleration. This leads to force the representation of force vectors and scale diagrams.
A quick review of forces and different types of forces lead to force interactions and their effects. A set of review questions provides use of force vectors.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how displacement and distance are different.
- Identify and explain scalar and vector quantities.
- Identify different types of forces and how these can be represented.
- Explain what the effect of simple force interactions will have on objects.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Alternating Current & Direct Current' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Simple starter using images for pupils to work out what the lesson is about today. Pupils must then group a bunch of electrical devices, either DC or AC supply or both.
The direction of flow of current is reviewed (although not entirely necessary but highlights some key physics).
This leads to descriptions of DC and AC current flow.
A class demo modelling a circuit using pupils as electric charge allows for a visual demonstration of AC and DC current. This can also allow for a teaching opportunity for frequency of AC current.
Key wave properties are reviewed to help with analysis of AC waveform representations.
Mains electricity at 230V and 50Hz is highlighted, being important to the specification. Peak potential difference is also discussed.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions and also a question to review AC and DC current looking at slo-mo capture of lights.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify AC and DC devices.
2) State and explain what is meant by direct current, DC.
3) State and explain what is meant by alternating current and relate to mains supply.
4) Determine period and frequency of an AC supply using diagrams.
Also includes lesson on National Grid.
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 'State of Matter (Solids, Liquid and Gases)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Starter tasks pupils with drawing particle diagrams of different states of matter. Kinetic theory is review in details for each state of matter. Energy levels of each state of matter are discussed and compared. Students are given a task to act out the different states of matter to model them, this allows for discussion of key concepts that must be communicated and how well the models explain different phenomenon. Changes of states are reviewed to identify the different processes that can occur with change of state including sublimation. A simple experiment shows evaporation and condensation in action for pupils to observe. Evaporation, condensation and sublimation are then discussed in detail. Lesson concludes with review questions and a writing challenge.
Lesson Objectives:
- State key differences between solids, liquids and gases.
- Identify properties of solids, liquids and gases.
- Explain the energy differences between different states of matter.
- Explain in detail the processes of evaporation and condensation.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Electric Currents (charge) and energy transfer' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
The starter is in the style of the 'countdown conundrum' which is for some of the lessons key words.
Questions review key electric current knowledge from earlier current electricity which is relevant to the lesson and also serves as a recap/revision opportunity. Key electrical current concepts are summarised.
Current and charge are related together in an explanation and through the relevant equation with questions for pupils to complete using this.
Energy in circuits is related to voltage supplied by a supply to electrical charge and how this will then deliver energy to components, this also offers the chance to review some circuit rules.
The E = V x Q equation is explained leading to questions using the equation plus ohm's law and circuit rules.
A collection of review questions and some exam style questions conclude the lesson.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review key content on electrical current.
2) Identify what a unit of charge is.
3) Perform calculations for energy transfer in circuits using p.d and charge.
4) Relate energy transfer by charge to different electrical components.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Renewable Energy Resources (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectricity, Wave, tidal, geothermal)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts with a series of riddles relating to different types of energy resources.
The need for renewable/alternative energy resources is highlight through questioning regarding previously studied fossil fuels, nuclear power and biofuels.
The different types of renewable energy resources are reviewed for note taking and discussion. Following a summary of key renewable energy resource advantages and disadvantages the pupils are given a writing challenge to compare and contrast different types of energy resources.
The lesson can be done as regular in class lesson or alternatively can be given as webquest for pupils to complete and then slides used for key summary and consolidation.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain the need for renewable energy resources.
2) Identify a number of different renewable energy resources.
3) Detail how different energy resources meet our energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare different methods of renewable energy resources, with non renewable resources.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy and Efficiency' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
The lesson can start with either a task to correct statements provided about energy or to discuss what happens to wasted energy.
Different types of bulbs are shown through images which pupils are likely to have comes across, they are then prompted to discuss how they are different and why we use different ones, this lead to talking about efficiency.
Useful and wasted energy are explained and related to context and energy flow diagrams previously used. Also a key explanation of what happens to wasted energy is given. Pupils must then identify whether particular energy changes are useful or wasteful for certain devices.
Energy efficiency is detailed to students and then presented as 'units of energy' in a form similar to sankey diagrams (which are no longer required by AQA but can help students rationalise percentages). A class activity is outlined which requires groups of pupils to shown how energy is split by different devices and can help students visually see how portions of energy are distributed. Following this the energy equation is given which is then used by two sets of review questions.
The lesson concludes with content for higher tier students which looks at ways energy waste can be reduced.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain what is meant by useful and wasted energy.
2) Explain what eventually happens to wasted energy.
3) Calculate the energy efficiency of different appliances.
4) Detail how energy transfers can be made more efficient. (Higher tier only)
Complete AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Current and Charge.
Starter begins with discussion of why static electricity couldn't be used as the power source for lighting which follows on from the previous lesson on statics (will add varied starters at a later date)
Key circuit symbols & functions are reviewed using the worksheet which can be done with electrical components and highlight the required circuit symbols to recognise by the AQA specification.
The main consists simple circuit building and drawing activities to provide a foundation to build the circuits required for experiments later in the unit.
Questioning leads to a definition of electrical current and electrical charge with the appropriate equations detailed.
Plenary questions are provided and also a true or false activity on the lessons content.
Lesson objectives:
1) Identify circuit symbols and their functions. (D)
2) Build electrical circuits using circuit diagrams. (C)
3) Draw circuits using appropriate symbols. (B)
4) Define the term ‘electrical current’ and carry out current calculations. (A)
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Circuits, current and charge lesson' but in the new Nteach style and also with new content relevant to the new specification for AQA GCSE Physics. The lesson will be updated as all lessons are as I create new , engaging and challenging content relevant to the subject.