This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), allows students to develop understanding of two conceptual approaches to environmental issues - the linear economy and the circular economy - in the context of the design and operation of a new...

In this lesson students will gain an understanding of what a life cycle assessment is and how it can be used to assess the environmental impact of the manufacture and use of different materials and products. Students will understand the five main stages of a life cycle analysis through both a diagram and supporting...

These resources introduce what is meant by a program and programming commands. Activities include asking learners to create a set of instructions that will solve a problem, as well as building on understanding of programming commands and what they are used to do in a program. 

This activity is designed to introduce students to what is meant by a program. It asks students to create a set of instructions that will solve a problem...

This is one of a set of resources produced in conjunction with the engineering company Arconic. The resources are designed to support teaching of key engineering concepts at both key stage 3 and key stage 4, including the new GCSE in Engineering. This resource focusses on understanding aerodynamics and making a...

In this activity, students consider what is meant by ‘energy efficiency’ and how this applies in the context of a house to reduce energy consumption. Students interpret graphs taken from an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and then brainstorm ideas about how energy...

The work that engineers do affects billions of people. It is creative and hands-on. It is about solving problems, designing things and improving things. As an engineer, you could tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems - from dealing with cyber security and maintaining clean water and energy supplies to...

In this activity, students investigate what is meant by fuel poverty. This could be used as a starter activity in mathematics or design and technology, with a focus on economic reasons for the development of sustainable power sources. Using the slides as stimulus...

In this lesson students will answer questions about dissolved substances in water from London’s water supply and other sources using a problem solving/ inquiry approach. In answering these questions students will be using ideas about pure and impure substances as described in the national curriculum chemistry as...

This lesson resource looks at the topic of inclusive design and how design can be used to solve problems and support all people in society to engage successfully in the world around them. This resource sets the scene for inclusive design, helping students to understand how products must fulfill a need for a range...

This resource, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), allows students to research what they, as a school community, can do to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

The activity uses the...

Students investigate and evaluate the development of new technologies to reduce pollution from combustion: catalytic converters, electric cars and fuel cells. Cradle to grave cycles of use are  considered, such as the use of incineration of waste to produce electricity for transport.

Learning outcomes:

In this resource a presentation and linked activities provide design and technology teachers with opportunities to highlight the different values and beliefs that designers may hold. Students can engage in exploring their own values about the responsibilities of designers and companies too. The presentation ...