Purpose: Finding the speed of an object is a fundamental step in understanding the relationships between forces, acceleration and motion. Practical measurement of speed in a classroom can be challenging as methods employed can be complex and time consuming. Using the camera function in a mobile computer (smart...

This Cape Farewell video clip explains that scientists use satellite images and optical measurements to detect phytoplankton in the oceans and that they use various methods to capture their samples. Scientists are shown looking at some of the plankton samples they have captured.

Produced by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this booklet introduces the concept of parallax and how it can be used to measure the distance to stars, using the constellation of Orion as an example. Included is an online video that demonstrates parallax in everyday contexts and in astronomy.  It also discusses the...

The teaching unit ‘...

This resource focusses on measuring time, by recording the time it takes to complete a walking race. In small teams, pupils will time each other with a stopwatch and record the data. The results will then be sorted and discussed as a class using terms such as, faster, slower, quicker etc. This activity could be...

This booklet contains a range of suggested teaching activities and contexts for teaching about mechanical properties of materials at A level. Curriculum links include elastic and plastic deformation, the behaviour and structure of materials, Hooke's law and the Young modulus.

Although produced to support the...

In this investigation students use a mass of plasticine on top of a hacksaw blade to see how the mass of the plasticine affects the resonance frequency that the...

Mechanics and Properties of Matter is one of the titles in the series of ASE Lab Books that were published in the early 1970s for the Association for Science Education. Each title brought together the best of the teaching notes and experimental ideas from members of the...

From the Centre for Science Education, the RA3 project aims to bring parents together with their children and teachers to explore the worlds of science and technology.

These activities use 'mechanical kangaroo' or 'mechanical horse' model robot kits. These kits allow children and parents to explore...

Mechathlon, from the Centre for Science Education, is a set of teaching materials which offer a cross-curricular approach to learning about engineering. The context for this case study is designing a multipurpose vehicle which could aid recovery following a devastating...

Work done in this Nuffield 13 - 16 module followed from the S unit called ‘Particles at work’. This D unit provided enough material for eight double periods during a Further Science course and built on the content of the S units for Single Science. The teachers’ guide...