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 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.
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This resource uses the context of the British Challenge for the America's Cup to explore composite and nano materials.  The video uses the challenge to build the highest performing racing yacht as an introduction to composite materials and how they are designed to improve their properties for a specific use.  This...

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
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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...

A coated metal has a coating applied to the surface to enhance or change its functional or aesthetic properties. This resources explores the topic of coated metals, specifically anodising, galvanising, powder coating, dip coating, electroplating. 

These teacher notes will guide you through the collection of resources created for space-inspired modern materials. Including:

• An introduction to modern materials...

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This module introduces the STEM Projects Toolkit, its background and its goals. A schematic diagram shows the contents of the resource pack, showing the pathways which teachers and technicians can use to access information and enrich lessons.

The resource builds on the successes of the CREST Awards, a formal...

This module, from the STEM Projects Toolkit, considers the use of the inquiry-based approach in everyday teaching of STEM subjects, encouraging students to use initiative and make independent decisions. The resource compares different types of Inquiry Based Learning and includes approaches for differentiation and...

This resource gives KS3 physics learners the opportunity to learn or further develop their understanding of energy changes, generation, and storage in various scenarios. The activities include designing and manufacturing structures and analysing data.

• A series of activities are based on the challenge...

This module of the STEM Projects Toolkit considers how to move from traditional teacher-led individual lessons to student-designed and student-led inquiry based lessons and projects. The emphasis is on guiding students and encouraging them to explore and research topics, actively participate in the learning process...