This resource describes how to make a safety armband or beltband.The projects use a basic e-textiles circuit, but a popper has been added into the circuit to create a switch. When the popper is open the circuit is broken and the LED will not light up. When the popper is closed the circuit is functional and the LED...

This resource describes how to add an LED light to a beanie hat.It is an ideal starter project and uses a basic e-textiles circuit. Students will learn how to use conductive thread, a standard LED and a switched cell holder in order to place the light on the outside of the hat without cutting a hole. Step by step...

In this resource, students use their STEM skills to help them design and build a model of a flood- proof house. Activities to help them with their design include testing materials (for strength and absorbency) and structures. Set on a fictitious island coping with the devastating effects of flooding caused by...

Become an innovator! This video introduces the challenges involved in the V&A Innovate collection.  It sets the scene for how creativity and design can have a positive impact on our world and tasks students with using their creative talents to solve...

From Practical Action and the Royal Academy of Engineering, this short starter activity helps students to think about their own values and those of their peers in relation to the sustainability of engineering. The activity encourages an awareness of the impact of engineering on the environment and sustainability....

This report from Ofsted looks at low level classroom disruption. Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector (HMCI) raised concerns about low-level disruption in schools in his Annual Report 2012/13. As a consequence, guidance to inspectors was tightened to place greater emphasis on this issue in routine inspections. In addition...

Looking to discuss the big, contestable questions in STEM? This collection of resources from The Economist Educational Foundation supports students to understand how the scientific and technological processes of the modern world are intertwined with political decisions and ethical calculations. They help develop...

The 'big ideas' section of the Fixpert's resource focuses on big ideas. It introduces students to designing as an approach to problem solving and to designing for the real world and real problems. In particular, students are encouraged to consider different users and their needs, along with ergonomics and human-...

This resource looks at how biomimicry enables engineers to take ideas from the natural world to develop new products and designs. The specific example of gecko tape is used to illustrate this. Students play a game of pairs where they need to match technology with the animal or plant which inspired its development....

The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute is a not-for-profit organisation which promotes the transfer of ideas, designs, and strategies from biology to sustainable design. The Biomimicry 3.8 Institute’s programmes aim to broaden and deepen teachers’ knowledge of biomimicry and facilitate the integration of biomimicry into the...

This resource was developed by a STEM Ambassador, working with St Bonaventure’s School. It looks at how the natural world has inspired design. Student research and developed ideas for their biomimicry-based modes of transport, and modelled them.
Students then presented their ideas and models, explaining how...

A collection of resources to support teaching the principles of biomimicry in design and engineering.

The Bionic Boy resources take inspiration from the Born to Engineer video from Ben Ryan, who is working to develop low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for young children and babies. Through discussion and practical activity, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of engineering through...