In this challenge, students are asked to consider the impact of people suffering from heart conditions, both to the individual and to wider society. They then generate ideas for using programmable systems to improve people’s health, and to monitor themselves. A video introduces the idea of a heart rate monitor, and...

In this activity, students consider the heating effects of infrared energy, and how this is used in a range of products. They design a simple experiment to measure the heating effect of toasters, thermal heaters, infrared mouse, kettles (with heating elements) and...

Students first evaluate existing alarm systems and learn about a burglar’s attitude towards them using a video featuring reformed criminals. They are then briefed to create a working door access and alarm system using a BBC micro:bit and selected input and output components such as LDRs, reed switches, buzzers and...

Reducing energy usage in the home saves money, increases energy security and reduces the need to burn unsustainable fossil fuels. The first step in doing this is monitoring how much energy is...

This extension activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), follows on from the How Much Waste?...

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), challenges students to calculate the dimensions of an underground tunnel system. Students are encouraged to move beyond an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach to sewage as they use and develop...

This activity focuses on the link between water usage at home and the number of people living in their household, as well as comparing the water usage within the UK to that of other countries.

Students estimate how...

This activity focuses on the link between the UK’s current water usage and the predicted increase expected in the future. Looking at a water board website, students think about how the website is set up and the formulae that are being used. They then work in groups to...

Using the presentation as stimulus material, this activity asks students to consider products in terms of their benefits to society and to justify their point of view. This activity allows students to explore social, ethical, economic and health issues relating to...

This activity highlights...

From Arkive, this presentation and activity are designed to teach students aged 11-14 about the concept of human impacts on the environment. The presentation explains how human impacts can directly affect species survival, using plastic waste as an example. The activities then encourage students to consider how the...

Taking inspiration from the Born to Engineer video from Angelo Grubisic, an aeronautical engineer who combines his love for engineering with a passion for extreme sports., this resource supports students to increase their understanding of flight and how engineers use nature to inspire their ideas. Students will...

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to the ethical and moral issues of remote surgery.

It is intended that students will be able to:
• Understand what...

This resource looks at the effective use of low energy light bulbs and how they have enabled the waterfront at Durban in South Africa to be transformed. The first activity sets the scene by showing how lighting is not only a technical process but has a social impact too. It then presents students with the challenge...

The IDEAS training materials are for use on continuous professional development courses to support the teaching of ideas and evidence in school science. The materials offer six in-service CPD sessions, which take approximately half a day each. Ideas and approaches for lessons are illustrated using materials...