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 Impact Forces written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter ‘Car Wars’ looks at the test collision between an old and a new vehicle to stimulate discussion of collisions and safety - posing the question which car is safer and why?
This is discussed and reviewed focusing on crumple zones and comparing how each car crumpled and why this is good (or for the old car, bad).
Crumple zones, air bags and seat belts are detailed and discussed for common function - to increase impact time to decrease impact force. This concept is highlighted by exploring the physics mathematically.
Review questions with answers are provided for the topic.
Lesson Objectives:
- Identify key safety features of vehicles to reduce impact force.
- Explain how ‘impact time’ affects impact force.
- Relate momentum to impact forces in collisions and explain how impact forces can be reduced in car collisions.
- Calculate impact forces resulting from collisions.
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 'Conservation of energy' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lessons starts with a 'energy store' description in regards to a pendulum (using interesting animations) which consolidates the previous lessons on energy stores.
The swinging pendulum back towards the face is used as the vehicle to discuss conservation of energy, posing the question 'will you be hit in the face when the pendulum swings back?'. Students are led to an experiment to investigate a pendulum swing using basic lab equipment (clamp, string and mass for end of pendulum, can use a bobbin or plasticine) to make observations. This allows for an informed discussion and conclusion to be made to the original question.
Energy in closed systems are explained with the reason for them to be used in science, open systems are also looked at in order to allow contrast. The conservation of energy is summarised through discussion of systems which lead to comparing and contrasting a bouncy ball and also bungee jumps in relation to changes in energy stores and conservation of energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Use ideas about changes in energy stores to explain a pendulum swinging.
2) State what the ‘conservation of energy’ is and explain why conservation of energy is important.
3) Explain what is meant by a ‘closed system’ and how they are used in science.
4) Compare and contrast changes to energy stores between closed and open systems
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy Demands & Resources (Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power & Biofuels)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter uses a series of riddles for pupils to identify different energy resources to do with the lesson. The importance of fire is discussed for humans (this could also be linked with chemistry content on combustion, showing science links). Energy demands of the world are discussed and summarised to highlight what we need energy for and where it comes from in what proportions.
An Activity sheet included to identify key part of a fossil fuelled power station (although not necessarily required by AQA anymore).
Fossil fuels are covered in details and discussed the future issues with its usage, leading to Nuclear. Following description of Nuclear (with advantages and disadvantages) with an examiner tip in the note box - fossil fuels and nuclear power are contrasted.
Bio-fuels are reviewed as an alternative resources of energy and discussed a renewable and carbon neutral source.
Lesson concludes with a set of review questions on the topic which could also be used as a homework task.
Extra riddle question at the end.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify different ways of meeting our energy demands.
2) Explain how each major component of a fossil fuelled power station works..
3) Explain in further detail different methods meeting energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare the use fossil fuels, nuclear power and bio-fuels.
Resources for new GCSE AQA Physics 2016 specification.
Bundled lessons cover the Energy and energy resources content of the GCSE.
This includes:
- Changes in energy stores.
- Conservation of energy.
- Energy and work.
- Gravitational potential, kinetic and elastic potential energy.
- Energy and efficiency.
- Electrical appliances, Energy and Power.
- Energy transfer by conduction.
- Infrared radiation.
- Infrared radiation, surfaces and the Earth.
- Heating and insulation.
- Energy demands, Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power and Biofuels.
- Renewable Energy Resources.
For clear detail on aspects of each lesson please review each lesson bundled into the packaged to ensure it meets your requirements. I hope this gives you and your pupils a great start to the new Physics GCSE.
I do update each lesson in the bundle with new and varied content as I often revisit lessons to further improve them.
Resources for new GCSE AQA Physics 2016 specification.
Bundled lessons cover the Electricity resources content of the GCSE.
This includes:
- Electric Charges and fields
- Current and charge
- Potential Different and Resistance
- Component Characteristics
- Series Circuits
- Parallel Circuits
- AC/DC
- National Grid
- Cables and plugs
- Electrical Power and potential difference
- Electrical currents and energy transfer (charge)
For clear detail on aspects of each lesson please review each lesson bundled into the packaged to ensure it meets your requirements. I hope this gives you and your pupils a great start to the new Physics GCSE.
I do update each lesson in the bundle with new and varied content as I often revisit lessons to further improve them.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Refraction of Light ' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Detail steps to investigate how light travels through materials.
2) Investigate how light travels through materials.
3) Describe what happens to waves when they travel through materials of different densities.
4)Draw ray diagrams to show refraction of light through a glass blocks.
5) Use knowledge of refraction to explain phenomena of light travelling between boundaries.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electromagnetic Spectrum' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2) Identify the order of EM waves based on wavelengths, frequency & energy.
3) Identify orders of magnitude (size) of different EM wavelengths.
4) Explain the use of different EM waves.
5) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Moments, Gear and Equilibrium' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
ALL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS INCLUDED IN POWERPOINT
Starter poses the common question of how easy is it to open a door close to the hinge point which makes a very fun class demo and nicely leads into the lesson on moments,
A variety of simple devices that make use of levers is shown to identify what they all have in common which highlight they all produce a great turning effect/force.
Two experiments are provided to investigate either applied force and turning effect or distance from pivot and turning effect. This helps pupils identify the two contributing factors to moments and therefore the equation. A series of question practice use of the the moment equation.
Balanced moments and equilibrium is explained in relation to a see-saw and then explained with the equation allowing for review question to be completed. An exam question is provided also.
Further a small section on gears is included to relate the principles of moments to gears. Firstly pulleys are shown to make it more easily related to moments which is then directly shown with gears. The use of high gears and low gears with vehicles is explained. (I will revisit this aspect to integrate firmly into the main lesson).
Lesson Objectives:
- Define what is meant by a ‘moment’ and its units.
- Resolve simple moment problems with the moment equation.
- Explain how moments can be increased and how they can be useful.
- Apply the principle of moments to gears and their uses.
- Resolve moments in equilibrium.
5 Lessons on GCSE AQA Physics 'Forces and Motion. Lessons include:
- Forces and acceleration.
- Terminal velocity.
- Forces and Braking.
- Momentum.
- Impact Forces.
- Forces and Elasticity.
Please see individual item listing for details on each individual lesson.
ALL lessons have answer keys in the PowerPoint
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.
GCSE Physics P2 lesson on AC & DC current including key content from AQA Physics exam specification.
Starter uses gets pupils to try and categorise different electrical devices, this leads to the discussion of batteries and plugs.
Key definitions and explanations are given for a.c and d.c current with suggested modelling activity for a.c. and d.c currents.
Relevant wave properties are recapped and this allows for easier transition to using oscilloscope traces.
A link to a great online simulator is given to help show a.c and d.c current flow on an oscilloscope (no experiment set-up needed) and also a video of this is posted on youtube for use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEkPVViFa2Y
AC is focused on for main circuit supply and related to lighting and for peak voltages and frequency calculation.
Summary questions included.
More P2 to come.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘distance - time graphs’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Describe what a distance-time graph can tell you.
Identify different distance-time graph trends.
Use the gradient of a distance-time graph for speed calculations.
Calculate velocities from distance time graphs.
More content to be added to lesson shortly and new worksheets.
Complete set of lessons for AQA GCSE Physics P1 including key content from AQA.
The content of GCSE Physics P1 is covered over 20 separate resourced lessons all in the same format for continuity and direction for pupils (some of which are suitable for double lessons). Please do look at the shop if you wish to look at more detailed breakdowns of the lessons included in this bundle. FREE REFLECTION LESSON AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD IN SHOP TO CHECK FORMAT AND QUALITY OF RESOURCES.
Lesson 1- Radiation and Surfaces
Lesson 2 – States of matter, evaporation & condensation
Lesson 3 – Conduction
Lesson 4 - Convection
Lesson 5 – Specific Heat Capacity
Lesson 6 – Heat transfer by design
Lesson 7 – U-values & Payback time
Lesson 8 – Forms & Conservation of Energy (+ energy transfer diagrams)
Lesson 9 – Energy Efficiency, Sankey Diagrams & efficiency calculations
Lesson 10 - Energy & Power of Electrical Devices
Lesson 11 - Cost of Electricity
Lesson 12 – Methods of generating electricity
Lesson 13 - National Grid
Lesson 14 – Wave Properties
Lesson 15 - Reflection
Lesson 16 - Refraction
Lesson 17 – Diffraction
Lesson 18 – Sound
Lesson 19 – Electromagnetic waves
Lesson 20 – Big Bang Theory & the expanding universe
Includes collection of exam style questions in Power Point, useful for AfL and revision.
Lessons are noted with Lesson number as taught by me and also to help identify what resources belong together, you may wish to teach topics in a slightly different order.
I do update the lessons with changes, improvement, additional slides and new worksheets so do check back after download at points to see if there have been additions since your first download.
A Christmas Science Quiz to finish a hard term with to have a bit of fun with the class and at the same time still doing work in class relevant to Science.
2 quizzes to use, one basic and one extended.
Basic Quiz contains 5 rounds:
1)Biology Trivia (5 questions)
2)Chemistry Trivia (5 questions)
3) Physics Trivia (5 questions)
4) What is under the microscope? (10 questions)
5) Who is the Secret Scientist Santa? (5 questions)
With some bonus questions between each round. (5 questions)
Extended Quiz contains 6 rounds:
1)Biology Trivia (10 questions)
2)Chemistry Trivia (10 questions)
3) Physics Trivia (10 questions)
4) What is under the microscope? (10 questions)
5) Who is the Secret Scientist Santa? (5 questions)
6) What is the pix-elated piece of science equipment? (5 questions)
With some bonus questions between each round.
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 Forces and Elasticity with key content from AQA and Edexcel Physics.
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.
Lesson starts by discussing what elasticity is in relation to familiar, everyday objects which then challenge pupil thinking with 'slo-motion' videos of these objects being impacted.
Elasticity is then further explored with compression and tension.
A quick review on proportionality is covered through questioning supporting pupils in key maths skills required.
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.
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.
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.
A complete and detailed lesson on Radioactivity, focusing on atomic structure, alpha particles, beta particles and gamma radiation. (created with AQA 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.