Experiments in Science: Time Lapse Video
Richard Needham, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates how to use time lapse video to speed up action that would otherwise be either too slow to notice within a normal school science lesson, or to provide opportunities to explore gradual changes outside a classroom. Examples of biology experiments which could…
4/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Magic Melting Ice Cubes
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, shows how to carry out some ‘magic’ at the Christmas dinner table using ice cubes, a plastic chopping board and a frying pan. When asked to feel the plastic and the metal, people usually describe the plastic as warmer to the touch. They are then surprised…
Magic Gas
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates the properties of gases in this surprising Christmas table experiment. He drops an effervescent digestion tablet into a wine glass containing some water to generate carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is heavier than air, and can be poured over a candle flame.…
Flying Tinsel
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates static electricity and charge using a balloon and a piece of plastic tinsel. Rubbing the balloon on a jumper builds up a negative charge on its surface. When the positively charged tinsel is dropped onto the surface of the balloon it is first attracted to…
Jumping Candle Flame
Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, shows how to carry out some ‘magic’ at the Christmas dinner table using a candle and a match. After letting the candle burn for a minute, Simon blows the flame out so that the smoke continues to rise above it. Then when a match is placed near the wick, the…
Jelly Liquidiser
In this Christmas table experiment, Simon Quinnell, from the National Science Learning Centre, demonstrates why pineapple should not be added to jelly. When he adds pineapple to a bowl of jelly, the jelly liquefies due to the action of an enzyme in the fruit which breaks down the gelatin. This is an example of a defence…
Linking Textiles and Electronics at Key Stage Three
This set of course materials from the Science Learning Centre were designed to build an understanding of how electronics can be combined with textiles at Key Stage Three, starting with simple circuits and leading to more complex programming and effects. The practical sessions ran from week two to week six of the course, and each…
Make It Move: Muscle Wire Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students construct a lever that is moved by muscle wire. This is a conductor that contracts when an electric current is passed through it. The wire movement controls a lever. Students are asked to consider: • What are the advantages and disadvantages of this…
Make It Move: Rotating Arm Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a rotating arm actuator. This uses a geared dc motor to turn a friction fit arm. Two cams can be set at different angles to operate limit switches to control the movement of the arm. Power is fed to the motor using an H bridge switching circuit. Two single…
Make It Move: Electric Racer
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students build an electric racer powered by a super-capacitor. Students must construct the racer and choose which pulley ratio will enable it to cover the greatest distance. Students decide on the pulley ratio following observations of the in-air wheel speed. It is tempting…
Make It Move: Linear Actuator
In this design challenge from the Science Learning Centre, students make a linear actuator. The lead screw linear actuator uses a motor driven screw thread to move a threaded slider along its length. Limit switches turn off the motor when the slider reaches either end of its movement track. Students must decide on which pulley…
Essential Ideas in Electronics: Resistance
This article, from Electronics Education, is aimed at giving guidance to teachers and takes an in depth examination of resistance and conduction. It is also linked with an earlier article Essential Ideas in Electronics: Current. The article describes: • conductors and resistors • atoms, electrons, charges and current…
Essential Ideas in Electronics: Voltage
These articles, first published in Electronics Education, are aimed at giving guidance to teachers and help to describe the concept of voltage in an electric circuit. There are two articles in this resource. The first article introduces the following ideas: • A signal in a system is a voltage • A voltage is a difference…
Essential Ideas in Electronics: Current
Published in Electronics Education, this article is aimed at giving guidance to teachers and explains the ideas and models behind the understanding of electric current. The article begins by discussing the make-up of atoms and describes the charged particles, protons and electrons before moving on to consider charge interactions…
Session Four
This resource contains the fourth session of the Active Approaches to Level Three Applied Science, produced by the Science Learning Centres and the Nuffield Foundation. The session looks at developing assignments, their learning objectives and structure and warns against malpractice and plagiarism. It also recommends two activities…
Session Three
This resource contains the third session of the Active Approaches to Level Three Applied Science, produced by the Science Learning Centres and the Nuffield Foundation. The session looks at the use of scenarios to provide a real-world context, make connections between theory and practice and develop critical thinking skills. Instructions…
Session Two
This resource contains the second session of the Active Approaches to Level Three Applied Science, produced by the Science Learning Centres and the Nuffield Foundation, and concentrates on the issues of health and safety and risk assessments. The session identifies suitable practicals and includes activities.
Session One
This resource contains the first session of the Active Approaches to Level Three Applied Science, produced by the Science Learning Centres and the Nuffield Foundation. The session includes two activities: Gallery of quotes and Making sense of texts. • Gallery of quotes - students are asked to read and respond to a set of…
Ice Melting Blocks Demonstration
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell investigates the way different materials conduct heat using conductivity blocks and ice cubes. The video shows how the ice cubes melt at different rates depending on the thermal conductivity of the materials they are sitting on. Simon explains how this experiment can…
Primary Science Activities for Winter
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Zoe Crompton shows two activities that primary teachers can use in the winter. Each one involves using snow or ice. The first activity is inspired by the question "Why do we put salt on the roads?" It demonstrates a fair test to compare the effectiveness of table salt and…
Demonstrations for the Christmas Dinner Table
In this Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates four experiments, with the theme of Christmas, that teachers can do in the school laboratory. These are: • Tea bag convection - see how a burning teabag mysteriously rises on convection currents in the air around it. • The candle demonstration - generate…
Cannon Fire Demonstration
In this Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates a spectacular and noisy experiment showing the oxidisation of hydrogen peroxide using ethanol and potassium permanganate. An exciting illustration of energy changes, the sound of these substances reacting with each other sounds like cannon fire.
Dry Ice Demonstration
In this National Science Learning Centre video, Simon Quinnell demonstrates an experiment using solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) and sodium hydroxide which is likely to impress students. The experiment can be used to talk about the properties of solids, liquids and gases, acids and alkalis or used as an open evening demonstration.…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
MRI Scanning (Siemens)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the super magnets used in MRI scanning machines. Can MRI scans discover if you're telling lies? Siemens produce super-magnets for their MRI scanning machines. These produce incredibly detailed pictures of inside your body without the need for dangerous…
Oil Rig Risers (BP)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating recovery techniques used in the oil and gas industry and their potential environmental impact. We need more oil and gas, but at what cost to the environment or to the safety of those extracting it? Oil and gas reserves are becoming scarcer and harder…
- 3/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
The Mosquito
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating how science is used to build devices that drive groups of youngsters away from buildings. Hearing loss is age-related: this company uses that science knowledge to build devices that drive groups of youngsters away from buildings. Kids are naturally outraged…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Teacher guidance
The Paper Cup Company
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the design process involved in developing a paper cup for manufacture. You wouldn't believe making a paper cup could be complicated, but there's a lot of science reasoning behind the product design.Your students can compete in the Dragon's…
Acticoat (Smith & Nephew)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the use of metals to kill germs in the treatment of wounds. 'Silver Pants' is a humorous take on a modern application of ancient technology - using metals to kill germs. Smith & Nephew have developed a posh plaster called 'Acticoat'.…
Industrial Hemp
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the industrial uses of Hemp. Hemp is making a comeback! Industrial hemp (as it should be referred to) has been used for thousands of years for ropes, medicines, insulation, oil, seed, paper, canvas - even for concrete by the Romans. It seriously fell…
Air Products
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating air products and how they can be used. How do you deliver the right amount of gas to a patient during an operation? A modern twist on a very old design is the answer. Air Products produce rotameters, which help the anaesthetist calibrate the flow of…
Battery-powered Lawnmower (Bosch)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating battery powered lawnmowers and their potential environmental impact. Lawnmowers have come a long way since they were a mechanical cutter being pushed along by hand. A smart battery (like in your mobile phone) lets you roam free from the plug (and stops…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Activity sheet
Popcorn Polymer (BP)
A Science Learning Centres Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the production of oil and how oil reserves are located. If the oil reserves are running out, how can we get more out of what's still down there? Petroleum engineers have to flush out oil reserves using water, but often the water diverts into nearby…