The James Webb Space Telescope is  currently making observations of distant stars and planets, following it's launch in 2021. It is a highly technical design which has taken many years to be designed and made....

This collection of resources has been written for design technology teachers to use primarily as part of the curriculum in lower secondary schools.  The resources also include a guide to the James Webb Space Telescope , written for teachers and STEM Ambassadors.

All activities include elements of design that...

Designed for teachers and STEM Ambassadors, this guide to the James Webb Space Telescope contains sections on the design of the spacecraft and instruments, and the science objects of the mission.  Advice on which information is appropriate for primary and secondary level is included.

This activity looks at the primary mirror of the James Webb Space Telescope exploring the challenges that faced scientists and engineers whilst they were designing it. Linking to tessellating shapes in...

In this resource children investigate how the properties of different materials change when they are frozen. The two activities are based on a challenge scientists and engineers had when designing the James...

In this activity children learn about how the James Webb Space Telescope is designed to keep itself cold. They find out about the sunshield and how it works then explore how they can keep cold things cold, when...

Aimed at upper primary learners this resource provides a design and technology activity based on the challenges engineers and space scientists faced whilst working on the creation of the telescope. Children...

Jassel Majevadia is currently completing a PhD which will contribute to the safety of nuclear energy. Working on her Mac in coffee shops at Imperial College, she is able to apply her knowledge of mathematics and physics to perform new calculations and improve understanding of the way in which tiny bits of materials...

In this resource from the IET, pupils learn about density and materials, whilst creating their own density columns and making jingle bells dance. Using Christmas as the context for this STEM experiment, the activity provides detailed guidance and a maze puzzle extension activity.

Jo Shien Ng works to develop more and more sensitive electrical components called 'avalanche photodiodes' used in everything from satellites that look at the Earth from space, to body scanners in hospitals and airports. She does this by applying an understanding of the behaviour of materials developed through...

Joanne uses her skills and knowledge to advise satellite operators on the legal aspects of launching and operating a satellite in space.  With the growth of more commercial satellite companies there is a demand for more lawyers to advise and write the rules governing space activities across the globe. 

There...

In this activity pupils consider the challenges of an astronaut travelling on the long journey to Mars and then plan what the astronaut might need. A further task asks pupils to design a floor plan for the part of the rocket where the astronaut will live for the journey. Pupils can then build a model of their...

On Earth, humans experience the effects of gravity pulling on the human body which applies a constant force. This constant force is essential for building the healthy, strong bones we need on Earth. The force can be increased, and bones can be made stronger by doing regular weight bearing physical activities such...