In this activity students design and model a 3D robot arm. Robot arms are an example of a programmable system. They are used in a wide variety of industrial applications, ranging from loading machines to assembling cars, welding parts together and spray painting products. They are also used in applications such as...

This resource investigates modelling and constructing pulley systems designed to lift loads.

Suggested learning outcomes include:

• To be able to recognise and describe the main parts of a pulley system.
• To understand how a pulley system can reduce the effort needed to lift a load.
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This module introduces the STEM Projects Toolkit, its background and its goals. A schematic diagram shows the contents of the resource pack, showing the pathways which teachers and technicians can use to access information and enrich lessons.

The resource builds on the successes of the CREST Awards, a formal...

This module, from the STEM Projects Toolkit, considers the use of the inquiry-based approach in everyday teaching of STEM subjects, encouraging students to use initiative and make independent decisions. The resource compares different types of Inquiry Based Learning and includes approaches for differentiation and...

This resource gives KS3 physics learners the opportunity to learn or further develop their understanding of energy changes, generation, and storage in various scenarios. The activities include designing and manufacturing structures and analysing data.

• A series of activities are based on the challenge...

This module of the STEM Projects Toolkit considers how to move from traditional teacher-led individual lessons to student-designed and student-led inquiry based lessons and projects. The emphasis is on guiding students and encouraging them to explore and research topics, actively participate in the learning process...

This module of the STEM Projects Toolkit explains what a good project provides for students, encouraging them to develop independent learning skills and reflective practice. This part of the toolkit provides the first practical steps for teachers and technicians in conceiving and developing a STEM project.

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The key ideas contained in this resource involve getting pupils thinking about how we get the power we need to support the wide variety of functions we have come to rely upon. Some of these activities focus upon specific technologies and how they work and others look at how an overall power supply system can be...

Module 5 of the STEM Projects Toolkit explains the steps that can be taken between students carrying out projects in their own classes and presenting a project at a STEM competition or fair. Although this can be a daunting prospect, it can give students a positive experience of presenting themselves and their work...

This 'Six for Six' module from Siemens examines transport systems and how essential they are  to modern life using real-world examples of Siemens technology, engineering or manufacturing principles as a basis for learning. The teacher notes below...

Module 6 of the STEM Projects Toolkit gives information on the many opportunities that students can take to present their projects in STEM competitions and fairs. The resource describes the practical steps to be taken to make a project ready for a competition or fair, including describing what the judges would be...

This 'Six for Six' module from Siemens gets students thinking about efficient ways of doing things whether that be in the home or in a factory manufacturing cars.   The teacher notes below offers an overview of the resources/activities which are...

Produced by LSIS, this short activity can be used to monitor and assess understanding of moments. It can also be used as an extension or reinforcement activity at the end of a topic on moments or as a revision activity. It is a useful way to check students’ familiarity with, and use of, the spoken and written...

This Catalyst article looks at how the laying of telegraph cables across the ocean bed led to the science of oceanography. Over two thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered in sea which can reach depths of 11 000 metres. The article looks at the challenge of laying cables in this environment and the history of the...

This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics within the mechanical and electrical engineering power industry. Here students learn how statistical models are used to set alarms which detect changes in vibration above normal values. The alarms highlight that...