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.
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 '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)
4 lessons covering the unit of Forces and Pressure for AQA GCSE Physics.
Lesson include:
Pressure and Surfaces
Pressure and Liquids
Atmospheric Pressure
Upthrust and Flotation
Please read individual resources descriptions for each item in the bundle for further detail.
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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Expanding Universe & Fate of our Universe’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Discuss different ideas about how the Universe was created.
State what is meant by a theory.
Explain the Big Bang Theory and supporting evidence.
4)Apply your physics knowledge to red-shift and blue-shift.
Discuss the different possible fates of the Universe.
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 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 ‘Density, Mass and Volume’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Outline:
Nice simple starter asks pupils to list objects in order of density. Density is then clearly explained with visual effects to provide an example with a definition. Volume is also explained with comparative visuals. This lead to density being considered with volume and then both considered to produce mass - leading m=ρV. Some review questions practice the use of this equation.
Pupils are tasked with finding the density of different objects provided by the teacher (simple shapes of common materials required). REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5
To continue the lesson the story of Archimedes and the gold crown is told featuring some key questioning for pupils. This then leads to pupils finding the density of irregular shaped objects by ‘displacement technique’ (REQUIRED PRACTICAL 5).
To further extend pupil knowledge Archimedes principle of displacement is further explored with floating objects such as ships in water, icebergs and ice on water.
Lesson Objectives:
- State and explain the properties called volume, density and mass.
- Use the density equation to calculate different properties of objects.
- Describe in detail experiments to identify an objects density.
- Explain how large objects such as ships float in water.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Atoms and Radiation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. Lesson provides a basic introduction to the unit of Nuclear Radiation, ideal for introduction and low ability groups.
Starter prompts pupils to write or draw what they know about nuclear radiation onto a post-it note, this can then be reviewed by the teacher to start a discussion on misconceptions and highlighting good knowledge. A brief background on the discovery of radiation is given in relation to Henri Becquerel and Marie Curie. A simple explanation of nuclear radiation is given with some review of the nucleus and ionising radiation. Detection of radiation is highlight with a Geiger-muller tube and counter. The three types of nuclear radiations are stated and the nature of random nuclear decay is highlighted. The lesson concludes with a fun true or false about nuclear radiation with some videos to offer further explanation where appropriate.
A summary worksheet is provided.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what a radioactive substance is & what makes a substance radioactive.
- Explain how radioactivity can be detected.
- Recall the different types of radiation that is emitted from a radioactive substance.
- Explain what is meant by ‘nuclear decay’.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - fuses, circuit breakers and RCCBs including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter reviews previous unit content on plug wiring and AC/DC current which leads to fuses.
Electrical safety is discussed through the effects of electric shocks and resistance is briefly revisited, reviewing previous P2 content. Resistance in a wire is related to the operation of fuses which is then detailed ( a nice demo is included in the comment box but alternatively a video can be shown).
Circuit breakers and their function is detailed with animations and videos with key questioning on functions.
A written task reviews fuses and circuit breakers.
The detail required by the exam specification is provided (with an alternative slide for classes that would want to know more).
The importance of earthing is explored through questioning (relating back to P2 Statics).
The plenary task uses pictionary to review all key concepts.
More P2 lessons to come
Completely resourced lesson on Forces and Driving with key content from AQA Physics.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate different vehicle speeds for stopping distances.
- Explain what happens during braking of a vehicle.
- Identify and explain what can effect the stopping distance of a vehicle.
- Investigate how a drivers reaction time effect stopping distance.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking.
Stopping distances are reviewed with thinking and braking distances, this leads to a class activity on reaction times to consolidate thinking distances.
Summary questions are provided on this topic to finish the lesson.
Plenary poses the starting question again in light of new information pupils will now have.
Completely resourced lesson on velocity-time graphs with key content from AQA and Edexcel Physics.
Lesson begins with a starter to get pupils thinking about acceleration whilst recapping terminal velocity.
A prompt questions focuses on cars 0-60 mph time so pupils to discuss what acceleration is and what affects it.
The acceleration equation is covered in detail clearly highlighting the units used - followed by questions to use the equation.
Speed and velocity are contrasted whilst explaining what is meant by vectors and magnitude.
The main task uses a movie car chase sequence for pupils to record the time between key incidents which are associated with a set velocity allowing a v-t graph to be produced, this allow for a discussion of v-t graph trends related to data. Key v-t trends are highlighted following this.
Acceleration is related to the gradient of a v-t graph very clearly as done in the d-t graph lesson. This allows for a more detailed analysis of the car chase v-t graph (worksheet included).
Plenary relates v-t graphs to d-t graphs and uses a v-t graph of a skydive for further questioning (also reviews terminal velocity).
AQA GCSE Physics lessons on Potential Difference & Resistance.
Starter begins with simple discuss and demo of how to make a ball move without touching it which leads to a discussion of gravitational potential and so can be related to electrical potential, potential difference.
A class activity to make a pupil circuit is detailed along with guidance on set-up and questioning throughout. This can be greater used later as AfL and to help with series and parallel circuits.
The main uses the ohm's law investigation to get pupils to investigate the relationship between current and voltage which leads to ohm's law and the equation. Questions included to conclude lesson.
Note: This lesson is formatted is similar content to previously listed 'Potential Difference and Resistance 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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Life history of a star & formation of a solar system’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain how a star is born.
Recall and detail the different stages in a stars life cycle.
Explain how different elements are formed.
Explain how the solar system formed.
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.
Complete lesson on Convection including key content from AQA GCSE Physics.
Simple starter to get pupils thinking about convection and also true and false to challenge misconceptions (such as heat rises).
Includes experiment requiring potassium permanganate in a beaker and convection loop (if doing teacher demo) but could use food dye as a substitute.
Plenary uses plenty of application questions and relation to the vacuum flask.
More P1 lessons in same format.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete lesson on Energy and Power of Electrical Devices with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses a discussion on pupils power is based on where they may have encountered it before.
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.
Lesson concludes with task sheet with questions using lessons content.
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.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
Complete lesson on the 'Big Bang Theory' and the 'Expanding Universe' with key content from AQA Physics.
Starter uses post-it note from pupils onto the board which allows the teacher to review thoughts from pupils on the origins of the Universe. This is good starter to discuss different pupils beliefs.
Following this a focus on 'theories' discusses what theories are and why this is important in Science and evidence which support theories.
The main part of the lesson guides pupils through the Big Bang Theory explaining the evidence behind this theory (red-shift and CMBR) with clear description of the Doppler effect.
End of lesson uses a written task for pupils to summarise the key points on red-shift. This can then be peer marked by the class using the guidance provided.
A homework is included asking pupils to research the fate of the Universe as this is common question from pupils.
Plenary includes exam style questions.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
A collection of complete lessons which address the fundamental concepts in electricity, starting from static electricity moving to current electricity with key definitions and explanations of concepts, moving to key circuits rules and characteristics..
Lessons in consistent format all following on from each other with review on previous contents on previous lessons.
L1 - Static Electricity
L2 - Circuit Symbols (including current and charge)
L3 - Current, Voltage and Resistance, Ohm's Law
L4 - I-V characteristics (also LDRs and thermistors)
L5 - Series Circuits
L6 - Parallel Circuits
Review individual lessons in my shop for greater detail on each individual lessons.
2 COMPLETE LESSONS ON NUCLEAR RADIATION.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on the properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation & a second lesson on uses of nuclear radiation (created with AQA and Edexcel specification content).
PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the characteristics of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify the penetrating power and range of type of radiation.
3) Explain what is meant by ionising radiation and relate to the three types and applications of this.
4) Compare and contrast the effect of magnetic and electric fields of nuclear radiation.
Pupils are prompted to post questions they have on nuclear radiation so far and in general which can be discussed by the class to serve as some recap on the previous lesson, deal with misconceptions and highlight progress when these may be answered during the lesson (and previous lessons).
Pupils recap the content of the previous lesson on the characteristics of the 3 types of radiation as this is important to the current lesson and exercises their knowledge on the subject.
Penetrating power and range of the types of radiation is covered in detail using animations.
Ionisation is reviewed by challenging pupils through questioning relating to previous content. This is then related to radiation and the types ability to ionise atoms. This lead to descriptions of photographic film and a detailed description of how the geiger-muller counter work with a bespoke animation to assist this.
Deflection of radiation is covered through questioning using clear imagery and animations to support pupils. This leads to literacy based task for pupils to compare and contrast different types of radiation and their path through an electric field.
The lesson is summarised with review questions on the content covered.
USES OF NUCLEAR RADIATION
1) Review the properties of the 3 types of nuclear radiation.
2) Identify that nuclear radiation can be dangerous and useful.
3) Explain in detail one or two applications of nuclear radiation.
4) Apply your knowledge of nuclear radiation to exam questions.
Applications explored in detail: geiger-muller counter, x-rays, badges, automatic thickness monitoring, traces, smoke alarms, carbon dating and uranium dating.
More Radioactivity lessons to come shortly.