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 Electromagnetic Spectrum/Uses/Risks with key content from AQA Physics.
This lesson covers the electromagnetic spectrum, waves uses, wave risk, order and size of waves and mobile risks.
Starter uses a fun riddle challenge which pupils enjoyed doing in Generating Electricity and so asked for another.
The lesson explores the spectrum by order of identities of waves, wavelength, frequency and energy.
A quick task on multipliers, standard form and prefixes helps pupils understand the notation commonly seen on the EM spectrum and also as questioned in exams.
A task gets pupils to explore different EM waves using information sheet for them to use to summarise key information. Then mobile phone risk is then discussed along with correlation and causation.
Plenary quick quiz and some exam style questions which can be used as mini plenaries to link to exams.
More lessons in same format for P1.
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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.
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New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on Forces and Braking written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions are provided with answer within the Power Point.
Lesson starts by discussing the speed limit for vehicles against the maximum speeds vehicles can achieve. Stopping distances is explored by looking at different size vehicles going at the same velocity and then braking. Stopping distance is also reviewed against different velocities.
Thinking distance and braking distance are highlighted and discussed with a class activity exploring the effects of different factors on thinking distance with higher or lower activity. A class activity is also provided to investigate pupils reaction time to relate to thinking distance.
A quick review on resultant forces in relation to vehicles is explored through questioning, this leads to the physics of stopping vehicles through braking. This leads to an exploration of the physics of braking in terms of changes to energy stores and then also how to calculate braking force.
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.
Lesson 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.
- Calculate the braking force of a required for moving vehicles.
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.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Seismic Waves’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
State what seismic waves are
Identify and state different layers of the earths structure
Explain how seismic waves are produced
Explain what primary and secondary seismic waves are
Detail how seismic waves can provide information about the Earth’s structure
Complete lesson on 'Wave Properties/Natures of Waves/Measuring Waves' with key content from AQA Physics.
This lesson covers types of waves, parts of waves/characteristics, wave speed equation, terms and starts discussing EM waves.
Starter uses a cryptogram for pupils to solve and produce the key words for the topic
Guidance provided on Slinky demo and questioning to prompt pupils to produce key statements which are later detailed (as common exam questions).
Wave speed question explained and modelled with practice questions.
Task sheet with stretch and challenge questions which can be edited out.
Lesson includes some simple exam style questions which can be used as mini plenaries to link to exams.
More lessons to in same format for P1.
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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.
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 ‘Planet, satellites and orbits’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what keeps objects in orbit.
Identify the direction of force on an orbiting object.
Explain how the velocity of a body changes as the body moves around its orbit.
Explain how an object stays in orbit
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 the motor effect written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain the ‘motor effect’;
Recall and use Flemings left-hand rule
State what is meant by magnetic flux density
Calculate the force on a current carrying wire
Detail how a simple electric motor works
A fun christmas quiz to end term on.
Different rounds on general knowledge, tv & film, music, who is the celebrity santa, christmas riddles and pixelated objects.
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.
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
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Nuclear Fusion ’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
State and explain what is meant by Nuclear Fusion.
Explain the process of nuclear fusion.
Identify the reactants and products in a nuclear fusion reaction.
Write nuclear fusion reactions.
Apply knowledge of nuclear fusion and fission to compare and contrast both methods for generating electricity.
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 ' 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.
The ishihara colour blind test in PowerPoint form to provide an in class activity.
10 images are shown which contain a number which depending on vision will present possibility of a colour vision deficiency.