Resources by Oxford Sparks

Particle detectives

In this lesson, students explore how physicists are collecting and using evidence from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to learn more about the origins of the Universe. They begin by watching an animation set in the LHC, and learn that physicists are using the LHC to try...

Parting plates

This activity introduces students to quantitative reasoning problems in Earth science and physics. It supports students in using ‘back of the envelope’ reasoning to help them gain an instinctive understanding of the timescales and magnitudes of geological processes. The activity provides excellent preparation for...

Perfect planet

This activity for gifted and talented students introduces some of the fascinating worlds outside our own solar system. Students begin by learning about the conditions which might make a planet habitable. They then study data about exoplanets, and evaluate evidence to...

Perfect properties

The development of the jet engine is engineering at its most extreme. In this activity, students analyse data to choose materials with suitable properties for different parts of the jet engine.  

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Picture this

Scientists at the University of Oxford are developing and improving computer programs that can learn. Often it is useful to feed computer programs a series of images and to get the computer to identify or sort them in some way, but how do computers create or store...

Planet calculator

This extension activity for gifted and talented scientists with a good grasp of mathematics and well-developed literacy skills introduces them to some of the fascinating worlds outside our own solar system. Students use data from the Kepler space telescope to draw...

Planet detector

This activity is designed for gifted and talented students. It introduces them to the challenging and exciting science of the detection of planets beyond our own solar system. It involves applying knowledge of gravity and electromagnetic radiation, in particular visible...

Quality crystal

Scientists have used X-ray crystallography to elucidate the structure of more than half a million substances. This powerful technique relies on complex mathematics, high energy X-rays, and the skill of crystallographers in making high quality crystals.

Quantum quirks

Scientists at The University of Oxford are utilising the quantum quirks of light to study how single photons could be used to provide un-hackable data protection, quantum computers and powerful microscopes. This activity is suitable as a follow-on lesson...

School day delay

A change in circadian rhythms in adolescents means that asking them to wake early in the morning for school results in them being tired and less able to concentrate in lessons.

In this activity, based on the Teensleep...