This resource is designed to help students understand:

• Different averages: the mean and the median.

• Measures of spread: the standard deviation and the interquartile range.

• Statistical diagrams: histograms and boxplots.

Self teaching notes and questions are contained on the work...

The generation of energy with solar power plants in the desert is a highly controversial issue. In this activity students consider the questions: Which arguments do the opponents and the proponents put forward? To what extent do solar power plants have the potential to contribute to meeting Europe’s energy needs?...

A collection of mini design challenges, themed around different material areas.

This STEMNET resource describes the background and career of STEM Ambassador Chris Robbins, a design engineer and Director of a small independent consultancy.

Chris uses maths to help companies solve problems by developing mathematical models and associated software to help select appropriate materials and...

Nuffield Secondary Design and Technology guides for Key Stage Four provide a straightforward way for students to become familiar with the sorts of questions they should ask when designing for a particular focus area. The design guides can act as a stimulus for students who are having difficulty in deciding on a...

The Nuffield Design Hexagon for Key Stage Four covers the design strategies that students need to consider be successful at designing products that meet the needs and wants of people in real life situations. Design Hexagons have been developed for each focus area: electronic products, food technology, graphic...

In this Shell Centre module, groups carefully design and produce their own board games. These games are then played and evaluated by other class members.

This involves developing ideas from 2-dimensional shape-and-...

In this ARKive activity, students research and design their own conservation programme to learn about the importance of biodiversity as well as the economic benefits and services ecosystems provide. Using examples of successful conservation programmes within the UK Overseas Territories, students learn about the...

In this Nuffield exploration students are asked to design a table for a group of 5 people for daily use. The table must be extendable to accommodate 8 to 10 people for some occasions

The key processes developed are:...

Aerospace engineers need to take into account the heat generated when the space craft move through the atmosphere at extreme speeds, both during launch and at re-entry, as without proper thermal protection the space craft could be destroyed. Insulating blankets, foams and tiles are used to protect the spacecraft....

This resource focusses on learners designing a robot to act as an assistant referee during a game of football on the Moon. They will consider the challenges associated with playing football on the Moon and the duties of an assistant referee. Students will produce a labelled sketch of their idea to meet a set of...

In this activity, aimed at secondary-aged pupils, the students will design a new carriage that is powered by electricity for the King’s coronation. They will consider the design brief and criteria for the carriage before sketching and...

In this resource, students design a new glove for use in a sport of their choice. Students may find it helpful to talk with local people who partake in their chosen sport. The P.E. Department may be able to suggest suitable contacts.

A selection of tests, activities and factsheets are available for the...

From Practical Action, this resource is an eco-tool used to compare the sustainability of two products or design ideas.

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to how we see communications developing to help others.

The resource is designed so that students will: