Develop understanding (IOP)

Resources and CPD activities from the Institute of Physics (IOP).

Supporting Physics Teaching (CPD resource)

The Supporting Physics Teaching (SPT) materials are designed especially for teachers who are new to teaching physics and those wishing to develop their existing skills. They are grounded in wide-ranging evidence and enriched with the wisdom of practicing classroom teachers of physics.

We take a three pronged approach:

  • Physics narrative: an account of the physics at the level it will be taught in the classroom

  • Teaching & Learning issues: key teaching issues plus common mis-representations and confusions amongst pupils

  • Teaching Approaches: resources, teaching tools and strategies which also address the teaching and learning issues

SPT topics at 5-11:

SPT topics at 11-14:

SPT topics at 14-16:

 

 

Supporting Physics Teaching: Physics Teacher Network (CPD activity)

The Institute of Physics runs subject-based workshops across the UK and Ireland. The workshops are free and can be set up by request. Some examples of available workshops are:

  • What Happens Next? - A showcase of short demonstrations with unexpected outcomes to get your pupils thinking and debating physics
  • Lights, Cameras, Images - Discover a variety of activities for use in the classroom when teaching light, colour and spectra. Find out how to make 3D images and how to build a telescope. As well as collecting plenty of ideas for the use of images in general, you will receive  link to all the information needed to use the workshop ideas in the classroom
  • Virtual Physics Laboratory - Take a guided tour of the Virtual Physics Laboratory with its 200-plus physics simulations and free software
  • Rockets – Make and Take - Use plumbing parts to make your own compressed-air rocket launcher which fires paper rockets
  • Dragsters – Make and Take - Come along to make your own high-pressure-air-powered paper racing cars
  • Datamouse - Making affordable timing gates
  • Games Laboratory - Learning physics by using games
  • Shocked and Stunned - Gain confidence in using the Van de Graaff generator. Get ideas and information about resources to bring the generator to life for your students
  • Software for Skint Schools - Discover 19 bits of free software to use in school to enliven your teaching while saving your budget
  • Cloud Chambers - Make and Take - Build your own cloud chamber using a fish-tank and a baking tray
  • Teaching the Electromagnetic Spectrum - Explore ideas and approaches for teaching this sometimes tricky topic