Measuring the Thrust of a Balloon Powered Car
This activity from BLOODHOUND SSC illustrates the forces acting on BLOODHOUND SSC by calculating the thrust of a balloon powered car. The resource explores thrust as a concept, tying in with Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students: • Build a balloon car • Conduct speed-time experiments using the balloon car •…
The Big Bang Lesson
The lesson activities and resources for 'The Big Bang Lesson' are provided here for teachers and lecturers to use in their own schools and colleges. The lesson outline includes links to many of the presentation slides used by Professor Cox in his lesson, and also to clips from Professor Cox's STAR lecture, which…
5/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Teacher guidance
Electromagnetic Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at electromagnetic radiation. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and…
Physics - Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by MEI, this series of activities explores how mechanical oscillations are important in many areas of everyday life. Sometimes they are useful, for example the motion of the suspension on a car, sometimes they are fun, for example a fairground 'pirate ship' and sometimes…
Society Now: UK by Numbers
The 'UK by numbers' series focuses on key areas, such as population, energy and health, and provide important and up-to-date statistics about the UK. The documents are taken from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) magazine, Society Now. Population This issue gives statistics for the composition of the UK's…
Space Math I - VI
This series of activities from NASA are based on a weekly series of space science problems distributed to teachers in the US, from 2004 to 2010. They were intended for students looking for additional challenges in the mathematics and physical science curriculum, from ages 9 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses…
Transit Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at transits, eclipses and occultations. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science…
Earth Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at the Earth and its atmosphere. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and…
Magnetic Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at magnetism. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 14 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering issues,…
Radiation Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at radiation, and will make the student familiar with many forms of radiation, how it is measured, and what different doses can lead to over time. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and…
Bloodhound SSC Mathematical Model
From BLOODHOUND SSC, this resource demonstrates how to progress from a simple mathematical model to a more complex and more useful model to predict how fast the rocket car will go. The resource applies Newton's three laws of motion to BLOODHOUND and uses physics and mathematics to explain what is needed to make it go faster.
Space Weather Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at space weather. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering…
Image Scale Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at image scaling, which is an important first step that all astronomers perform when looking at image data. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 14 years.…
Solar Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at the Sun-Earth system. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 16 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering…
Lunar Math
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at Lunar exploration. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in mathematics and physical science from age 11 to 19 years. The problems were created to be authentic glimpses of modern science and engineering…
Physics - Keeping the Coffee Warm
From the Integrating Mathematical Problem Solving project by Mathematics for Education and Industry (MEI), this activity for post-16 students demonstrates that coffee cools gradually because it is hotter than room temperature and heat is lost to the room. Mixing the coffee with milk also cools it but this effect is instant. Topic…
Static Testing of a Model Rocket
This investigation, from BLOODHOUND SSC, uses a datalogger and force sensor to measure the thrust of a model rocket engine. The results can be analysed to predict the acceleration and speed of a model vehicle. The resource includes detailed instructions on how to conduct the experiment, including health and safety equipment and considerations.
F=ma in a Lift
This activity is produced by the Maths Magic project. F=ma in a Lift provides examples and ideas for A-level mathematics and physics students investigating what happens when they are being weighed in a lift and to have a discussion about mass and weight and the difference between the two quantities. Ideally students will have access…
Rocket Science Activities
From NASA, these activities look at the scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical foundations of rocketry to provide exciting classroom opportunities for authentic hands-on experimentation. Rockets have formed the basis of space exploration. Extensive teachers' notes, guidance and lesson plans contained in this…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Teacher guidance
F=ma in a Helicopter
This activity is produced by the Maths Magic project. F=ma in a Helicopter provides examples and ideas for A-level mathematics and physics students investigating what happens to packages hanging below a helicopter. The lesson plan describes an active lesson designed to promote discussion about what happens when the helicopter is…
Functions and Physics
This resource looks at three areas of the physics curriculum where functions are used, creating an opportunity for cooperation between physics and mathematics teachers. This booklet serves as good preparation material for CPD work between departments. Hooke’s Law and the idea of a function Part one explores the data produced…
Energy Analyst
Rebecca Beresford is an energy analyst at EDF Energy. This Department for Education clip could be useful when teaching about sustainable development, enery efficiency or climate change. It also illustrates a career that requires an understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Rebecca describes her…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Career Clips: Forces and Motion in Computer Games
From the Institute of Physics, this seven minute film showcases how an understanding of forces and motion is required to develop certain video games. It looks at the work of a company which develops computer models that ensure objects and people in video games adhere to real world laws of motion. The work is an exciting application…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Black Hole Mathematics
This series of activities from NASA take a mathematical approach to looking at black holes. They are intended as supplementary problems for students looking for additional challenges in the maths and physical science post-16 curriculum. Problems consist of a student page and an answer sheet. Students need to be familiar with scientific…
Eggnaut
In this resource from ESA, students' mission is to design and build a vehicle that will protect their Eggnaut from the perils of re-entry from space. The objective is to have your Eggnaut survive the fall without a crack. The project can be adpated for either primary or secondary students. The resource was produced by Spaceweek…
Properties of a Particle
This activity is produced by the Maths Magic project. Properties of a Particle provides examples and ideas for A-level mathematics and physics students investigating the properties ascribed to particles. Students discuss why these properties are needed and ask are they realistic? Activities include analysing the trajectory of a tennis…
Can't Stand Up?
Produced by the Maths Magic project, Can’t Stand Up? provides teacher inspiration for introducing the topic of forces in an A-level mathematics or physics lesson. The plan describes two simple experiments asking a student to stand against a wall and then attempt to perform seemingly simple tasks. The tasks are designed…
Digital Designer
Simon Cam is a digital designer, working on interactive video production for an advertising agency. This Department for Education clip shows the importance of science and mathematics in a range of creative industries. Simon works with film, special effects and 3D graphics, to develop a range of visual effects for the creative…
Energy Manager
Jo Carris is an energy manager, working on the London 2012 Olympic Games. This Department for Education clip could be used when teaching about sustainable development or energy efficiency. It also demonstrates the exciting careers that require skills in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Jo describes her job…
Nuffield Science Calculations
This Nuffield Foundation publication was prepared to help students master the calculations involved in GCSE Science courses. The book is divided up into a series individual topics. Each topic is presented in three parts. • A summary of the ideas students need to know, including any important formulas. • Worked examples,…
Build a Rocket Car
In this activity, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students build a model rocket car and explore the effect of drag on its performance. Maths, science and technology departments could all be involved. The design and build could be followed by timing and analysis experiments. Model rocket motors are the ideal way to propel model cars across…
Investigating Motion
In this resource, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students answer sets of questions about acceleration, velocity and motion in relation to BLOODHOUND SSC. They also investigate 'g force' and how free falling or lack of gravity affects acceleration. The students then go on to investigate the physiological effects of motion, what happens…