Tunnelworks: Key Stage Four Science

Tunnelworks is a series of teaching and learning resources linking mathematics and science to the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, a major new sewer that will help protect the River Thames from increasing pollution. Background to the project is given in the introductory video.

Lesson one challenges students to think about how ultrasound is used to measure the depth of water at different points in the Tunnel. Students first use data to select and ‘calibrate’ a sensor, exploring its wavelength and frequency. They then use further data to measure water depth before using their understanding to explain other reflections the sensor is detecting in terms of the tunnel’s design and dimensions.

Lesson two explores energy, efficiency, power and circuits in a realistic situation. Students interpret simple Sankey diagrams to identify the most efficient industrial fan that can provide a minimum useful output. They then use their knowledge of circuits to connect six fans so each can be individually controlled and receive its correct operating voltage,and can calculate the current in each branch, and the whole circuit, to plan the protection for the circuit.