Students are presented with two mobile phone tariffs and have to explore at what point one tariff becomes better value than the other. They have to select a way of comparing the tariffs using appropriate graphs or tables, work systematically to explore the effects of changing the amount of time the phone is in use...

Students use an Excel spreadsheet to calculate mobile phone bills. They compare mobile phone tariffs to see which one is the best for someone to use.

This resource is part of the Nuffield Maths Level 1 Foundation resource collection.

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation and they penetrate into human tissue. There is still a significant debate about the safety of holding even a low power microwave transmitter next to your brain or keeping it in a trouser pocket. The possibility of...

The cell is the smallest unit of life and for many millennia single celled organisms were the only form of life on Earth. It’s this type of life that astrobiologists are looking for elsewhere in the solar system. In this activity, wallpaper paste is used to build model cells Curriculum areas covered:

• ...

These resources exemplify the way practical work can be used alongside a pedagogical approach called model-based inquiry. This is based upon generating, testing and revising scientific models. Being primarily centred round collaborative and cooperative styles of learning, it also places particular emphasis upon the...

This lesson gives students a 3D printing challenge to model and print a small food clip, using the technical drawings provided.

In this activity students design and model a 3D robot arm. Robot arms are an example of a programmable system. They are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, ranging from loading machines to assembling cars, welding parts together and spray painting products. They are also used in applications such as...

This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians work with epidemiologists to understand the spread of infections and mitigate their effects. Epidemics can threaten the lives of both humans and animals, so it is essential that we react swiftly to any outbreaks. Mathematicians play a key role in...

This resource investigates modelling and constructing pulley systems designed to lift loads.

Suggested learning outcomes include:

• To be able to recognise and describe the main parts of a pulley system.
• To understand how a pulley system can reduce the effort needed to lift a load.
...

This collection of resources support students to increase their understanding of Kevlar, carbon fibre, glass reinforced polyester, phase changing materials, Nomex, geotextiles, LCD, Rhovyl, breathable clothing, UV protective clothing and microfibres. The resources provide a classroom presentation, student worksheet...

This resources  provides a space themed introduction to the topic of E-textiles. It looks at some of the technologies used, provides examples of products that are made possible by E-textiles and provides some hands-on examples of how you can bring E0textiles into your classroom.

This resources provides students with an introduction to the topic of modern materials. It provides an overview of what modern materials are and why we might use them for different products. The specific materials included are:

• Nanotechnologies
• Liquid crystal displays
• Graphene
...

This resource explores the topic of advanced metals, including titanium and metal foams. It provides examples of how the metals are used in engineering and space, explores the properties of the materials and suggests investigation activities that students can use to gain a greater understanding of the topic.

Biomimicry is based on the idea that we can take inspiration from nature when solving problems in design and engineering.  Biopolymers are polymers made from natural sources. This resource provides a great introduction to biomimicry and biopolymers. It provides examples of biomimicry and biopolymers and suggests...