The Science Behind the Materials activities are part of a collection of materials from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The activities enable students to:

• understand that models can be used to...

These NASA materials describe hands-on science and engineering challenges for students, using space exploration as an engaging context. The activities are related to NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite missions. Students design and build: *an air-powered...

In this activity, students consider how engineers build the hull of lifeboats so that they are light and strong. Students are challenged to construct a beam using cheese crackers, wafers, paperclips, bridge supports. They can consider building beams using a wider range of materials such as aluminium or wood beam...

This interactive online self-driving challenge from Siemens can supplement robotics education in computing. It enables pupils to programme a car to drive around a circuit without a driver, the circuits getting more complex as the challenge progresses.

Self-...

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:

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to methods of how to identify what components can be used as electronic sensors.

The resource is designed so that students...

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to how we use sensors in a circuit that will make decisions.

The resource is designed so that students will know that:

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to how we use sensors in a circuit that will make decisions.

The resource is designed so that students will:

This resource, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), explores how communicating rapidly over long distances has changed a great deal since beacons were lit on hilltops. It introduces the science behind sound vibrations, and presents signals,...

Through energy use, each UK home creates around six tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Much of this is the result of electricity generation. In this activity, from the Centre for Science Education and the Comino Foundation, students look into the advantages and disadvantages of the Smart Meter – an innovative device...

This collection of smart materials resources supports students to learn about Quantum Tunnelling Composite, shape memory alloys, polymorph, microencapsulation, photochromic dyes, thermochromic dyes and E-textiles. The collection provides a classroom presentation, teacher notes, student worksheets, student revision...

This resource includes examples of real technologies which can be used as inspiration to children from age 7 to 16. Following on from the challenges that Tim Peake and his clothing will face in space, these case studies include background information for teachers, supporting Powerpoint slides, and example...

In this practical lesson from the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), students complete a number of different tests on a selection of materials and identify each one from its particular properties. The tests include Eureka cans, electrical circuits and other...

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to how sensors can be used in smart applications of electronic systems.

The resource is designed so that students will know...

This activity, from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), introduces students to how sensors can be used in smart applications of electronic systems.

The resource is designed so that students will know...