'What do materials scientists do? They investigate the properties of materials. Sometimes they try to make a material for a purpose. Sometimes a material is discovered and they explore its potential uses. The properties of all materials must be rigorously assessed.'

These practicals and videos use a...

Seven activity sheets produced by the Institute of Physics (IOP) to accompany the MODEL Project's Cutting Edge Materials video.

Worksheet one takes an overview of the topic. Worksheets two - seven are targeted at specific sections of the video.

Answers to all the worksheet questions are provided in...

Six groups of practicals produced by the Institute of Physics (IOP) that help students to find out more about how science is applied to using and testing new materials.

In addition to the guidance included for specific activities, please refer to the generic health and safety information before commencing...

In this activity, from the Institution of Engineering and technology (IET), students are introduced to how the present body centric antenna, plus prosthetic technology, could be compared to science fiction ‘cyborgs’. Students are also asked to discuss ethical issues...

This Science upd8 resource draws on cyclone Sidr which hit Bangladesh in November 2007. Millions were left homeless and 3,000 people were killed. The activity asks students to look at how cyclones happen and addresses the common misconception that air is 'nothing' and weightless.

Produced in 2015, these resources use Cystic Fibrosis as a context to provide an opportunity to develop students understanding of a number of key concepts in biology in a connected and real way. Scientific advances in the treatment and diagnosis of CF are fast moving,...

Cytology, Genetics and Evolution is one of the titles in the series of ASE Lab Books that were published in the early 1970s for the Association for Science Education by John Murray. Each title covered one or two topics and brought together the best of the teaching notes...

This scheme of work, from the Institution of Engineering ad Technology (IET), provides students with an in-depth understanding of some engineering materials and how they are being developed in industry. This scheme was inspired by the casting process used to make the D3O smart material into a ‘usable’ form. This...

There are two parts to the DIY Dendrometer resources: 

Part A focusses on how trees grow and their role within both the carbon cycle and the water cycle. Learners are encouraged to take part in a citizen science project which involves creating and installing a DIY...

The IET DIY Faraday Challenge Day ‘Smart Cycle’ is a DIY STEM activity day but it could be adapted to be run as a suite of lessons. The aim of this challenge is to introduce students to cutting edge technology which engineers are, and will be using in the future and this challenge will work best if you have access...

These cross-curricular Science, Design and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activity days from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) encourage the development of students’ problem solving, team working and communication skills. Students achieve a better understanding of what engineering...