Using a set of simple ‘swap puzzles’, this CS4FN activity helps students to learn, fundamentally, what an algorithm is and how they can be made more efficient. Students are encouraged to create algorithms for solving the puzzles which can be used by future players to win, with no understanding of the game, in as...

To play a simple game called Hexapawn, an ‘artificially intelligent’ computer is created made entirely from sweets. The game is like a mini version of chess; the rules are explained fully, and a playing board drawn. The ‘machine’ then ‘learns’ how to improve its playing of the game by trial and error and by ‘...

This film, from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, shows how sports engineers from Loughborough University are using analysis software to help swimmers perfect their style and form, helping them shave seconds off their time.

In these AMP resources, co-funded by the Clothworkers and Nuffield Foundation, students investigate making different symmetrical shapes, using one or more of three given shapes. Students will work logically, identifying and classifying patterns making general statements...

This resource contains 20 instant maths ideas designed to provide students with the opportunity to: * explore reflections of two dimensional shapes * investigate what happens when coordinates are transformed * decide whether the human face is symmetrical * design patterns exhibiting rotational symmetry * explore...

From the Wellcome Trust, this animation shows how syphilis, a sexually transmitted bacterial disease (STD), can infect a person's lymph nodes. If this initial infection is not treated, the bacteria can spread to cause damage to the heart, aorta, brain, eyes and bones. In some cases, untreated syphilis can result in...

The activities in this collection, from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, are all designed to introduce the principles of the circular economy to students in secondary school. Before teaching the activities, it is recommended that teachers firstly introduce the concept of the circular economy using the introductory...

This task gives students the opportunity to consider the wider implications of unauthorised access to the computer systems of a logistics business. Students are asked to investigate the main areas covered by the Computer Misuse Act and techniques used by hackers to access a company's data and systems. Students are...

These publications were produced as part of the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP). TEP materials do not prescribe what should be taught, or how. TEP has absolute confidence in the professional judgement of teachers to selectively copy or edit the materials as they believe appropriate. These resources are...

Materials to support the use of the TI-Nspire and enrich the classroom experience. The materials include STEM activities with TI-Nspire.

The data handling features of TI-Nspire and the emphasis in the new secondary curriculum on real-life contexts, curriculum opportunities and cross-curricular dimensions...

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS) has the goal of helping countries make informed decisions about how to improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science. This report summarizes the results of the TIMSS 2011 international mathematics assessment of fourth and eighth grade students...

Scientists at the University of Oxford are investigating the link between sporting activity in young people and the development of osteoarthritis. In very active people, bony lesions can form on the hip joint (FAI) which increases their risk of developing the condition...

Act 1

A Taco cart is shown on a beach. Two people set off...