Exoplanets
In this Teaching Astronomy and Space video, produced by the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Don Pollacco introduces us to SuperWASP, one of the most successful exoplanet finding instruments in the world. Don explains how we find planets orbiting other stars and how…
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
In this Teaching Astronomy and Space video, from the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Tim O'Brien and astrophysicist Chris North explain how astronomers use radiation from across the electromagnetic spectrum. They demonstrate how Jodrell Bank and the Herschel Space…
The Life Cycle of Stars
In this Teaching Astronomy and Space video, produced by the Institute of Physics, Teachers TV and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), astronomer Tim O'Brien, from Jodrell Bank Observatory, explains how astronomers believe a star is born, lives and dies. Tim compares the life of stars like our Sun with much…
5/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Saturn and the Scale of the Solar System
In this Teaching Astronomy and Space video, from the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), planetary scientist Sheila Kanani shows us the stunning images of Saturn and its moons taken from the Cassini spacecraft. Sheila describes the Cassini-Huygens mission and how it…
Colour and Temperature of Stars
This Teaching Astronomy and Space video clip, from the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), shows how it is possible to illustrate how the light emitted by a star is related to the star's temperature. Using a filamernt lamp and a variable resistor, the lamp glows first…
The Earth's Atmosphere - Why is the Sky Blue?
This Teaching Astronomy and Space video, from the Institute of Physics (IOP), Teachers TV and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), helps to explain the answer to a simple question: why is the sky blue? Using a light source, a beaker of water and a few drops of milk, students can see how the milky water scatters…
Signal Generator
Produced by the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, this video demonstrates the use of a signal generator to illustrate waves and sound. The video shows how features such as frequency, amplitude and wave form can be demonstrated using a loudspeaker and an oscilloscope.
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Electric Motor
Produced by the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, this video shows a simple method for making an electric motor using a battery, strong magnets and a copper coil. It allows students to investigate Fleming's left hand rule and the forces generated in an electric motor.
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Fire Piston
Produced by the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, this video demonstrates how compressing a gas increases its temperature. A small piece of cotton wool is placed into the bottom of a narrow plastic tube. When the air is rapidly compressed by a piston, the air temperature increases and the cotton ignites. The…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Van de Graaff Generator
From the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, this video is aimed at teachers and shows how to get the best out of a Van de Graaff generator. In the video, Michael de Podesta explains how the generator works and gives some tips on getting consistently good results when using the apparatus. The video concludes with a…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Power Lines
Produced by the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, this video is aimed at teachers. Alom Shaha shows a demonstration that can be used to illustrate power transmission and why high voltages are used to minimise power loss.
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Monkey and Hunter
From the National STEM Centre, this short video illustrates the effect of gravity on a projectile's motion by using a classic physics demonstration called the Monkey and the Hunter. If a hunter fires horizontally at a monkey in a tree, and simultaneously the monkey releases their grip to fall off the tree, will the bullet hit…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Diffraction of Laser Light
In this short video, from the National STEM Centre and the Institute of Physics, Michael de Podesta explains how a laser can be used to show the diffraction and interference of light. Using a laser pen in the classroom, the wave nature of light is demonstrated as a thin wire is used to generate an easily-seen interference pattern.…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Girls in Physics: Research Evidence
Several research reports exploring causes of girls' under-representation in physics, and suggesting possible approaches to tackling this issue. 'Girls in the Physics Classroom: Review of Research on Girls' Particpation in Physics' This review by Patricia Murphy and Elizabeth Whitelegg of the Open University…
Careers Publications
A range of publications to help students' appreciate the rich career options opened up through study of physics. Hard copies may be ordered from the Institute of Physics website (free to UK and Ireland addresses). Experience: Physics at university A booklet for 16-19 year olds that explains the benefits of studying physics…
Physics Careers Posters
These resources are from the Institute of Physics and consist of a range of posters that illustrate physics-related careers. The posters cover a wide range of careers and include: Physicists Predict, Protect, Inspire and Save • Nicola Lang - geophysicist • Emma Sowter - medical physicist • James Hendry - science…
Exploring Physics: Uncovering Choice
From the Institute of Physics, this pack of activities aims to encourage teachers to work together in providing a consistent approach to careers advice and guidance. It will also help teachers to build on their own knowledge of physics-based careers and, in turn, help students to make informed choices based on accurate information.…
Stimulating Physics: Industry Visits
Video clip of a physics-based industrial visit to Sharp Laboratories of Europe Ltd. During the pilot The Industrial Trust organised over sixty visits for schools. Industry visits were arranged to show how physics at school leads to industrial application. In addition, students were shown examples of careers that are made accessible…
Stimulating Physics - Careers and Enterprise
The Institute of Physics worked with the Career Development Organisation to produce activities aimed at improving students' attitude towards physics, and awareness of career routes. The project developed two packs for use in schools with the help of the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC). The packs cover enterprise…
- 5/5
- Publication year: 2000 - 2009
- Teacher guidance