I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
I am currently a Lecturer in Engineering Design at a University, prior to this I worked in secondary schools as a specialist physics teacher. My experience from working at these levels of education has emphasised the need to ensure fundamentals in science are mastered by students for continued success in education & beyond. My resources aim to clearly communicate complex scientific principles through clear visuals and explanations - with well structured tasks to practice what has been learnt.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Planet, satellites and orbits’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
Identify what keeps objects in orbit.
Identify the direction of force on an orbiting object.
Explain how the velocity of a body changes as the body moves around its orbit.
Explain how an object stays in orbit
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy Demands & Resources (Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power & Biofuels)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter uses a series of riddles for pupils to identify different energy resources to do with the lesson. The importance of fire is discussed for humans (this could also be linked with chemistry content on combustion, showing science links). Energy demands of the world are discussed and summarised to highlight what we need energy for and where it comes from in what proportions.
An Activity sheet included to identify key part of a fossil fuelled power station (although not necessarily required by AQA anymore).
Fossil fuels are covered in details and discussed the future issues with its usage, leading to Nuclear. Following description of Nuclear (with advantages and disadvantages) with an examiner tip in the note box - fossil fuels and nuclear power are contrasted.
Bio-fuels are reviewed as an alternative resources of energy and discussed a renewable and carbon neutral source.
Lesson concludes with a set of review questions on the topic which could also be used as a homework task.
Extra riddle question at the end.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify different ways of meeting our energy demands.
2) Explain how each major component of a fossil fuelled power station works..
3) Explain in further detail different methods meeting energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare the use fossil fuels, nuclear power and bio-fuels.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electromagnetic Spectrum' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2) Identify the order of EM waves based on wavelengths, frequency & energy.
3) Identify orders of magnitude (size) of different EM wavelengths.
4) Explain the use of different EM waves.
5) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
5 Lessons on GCSE AQA Physics 'Forces and Motion. Lessons include:
- Forces and acceleration.
- Terminal velocity.
- Forces and Braking.
- Momentum.
- Impact Forces.
- Forces and Elasticity.
Please see individual item listing for details on each individual lesson.
ALL lessons have answer keys in the PowerPoint
Complete lesson on Convection including key content from AQA GCSE Physics.
Simple starter to get pupils thinking about convection and also true and false to challenge misconceptions (such as heat rises).
Includes experiment requiring potassium permanganate in a beaker and convection loop (if doing teacher demo) but could use food dye as a substitute.
Plenary uses plenty of application questions and relation to the vacuum flask.
More P1 lessons in same format.
https://www.tes.com/member/Nteach
2 New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Heating and insulation' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter comprises of a series of questions reviewing the content from previous lessons on energy transfer by heating. The definition of insulators are quickly reviewed and this then leads to details of the required practical on insulation. Questioning is provided relating to AT 1 and AT5 before the experiment guidance is given. 3 different experiment approaches are provided: different materials, different number of layers and different starting temperature are given as varied choice of investigation. These link to the factors which affect rate of heat transfer across a material. Data analysis and conclusion guidance is provided.
The lesson continue by relating insulation to the home, detailing key methods of insulating the home.
A task sheet which can be used for homework is provided which ask pupils to identify how different things either keep or lose heat energy.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Review topic of energy transfer by heating.
2) Identify suitable apparatus to complete a scientific investigation.
3) Detail appropriate and safe use of apparatus to complete an investigation.
4) Analyse and interpret collected data to draw conclusions.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Alternating Current & Direct Current' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Simple starter using images for pupils to work out what the lesson is about today. Pupils must then group a bunch of electrical devices, either DC or AC supply or both.
The direction of flow of current is reviewed (although not entirely necessary but highlights some key physics).
This leads to descriptions of DC and AC current flow.
A class demo modelling a circuit using pupils as electric charge allows for a visual demonstration of AC and DC current. This can also allow for a teaching opportunity for frequency of AC current.
Key wave properties are reviewed to help with analysis of AC waveform representations.
Mains electricity at 230V and 50Hz is highlighted, being important to the specification. Peak potential difference is also discussed.
The lesson concludes with a collection of review questions and also a question to review AC and DC current looking at slo-mo capture of lights.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Identify AC and DC devices.
2) State and explain what is meant by direct current, DC.
3) State and explain what is meant by alternating current and relate to mains supply.
4) Determine period and frequency of an AC supply using diagrams.
Also includes lesson on National Grid.
5 Lessons on GCSE AQA Physics 'Forces in Balance. Lessons include:
- Vectors and Scalars.
- Resultant Forces.
- Centre of Mass.
- Moment, Gear and Equilibrium.
- Resolution of forces (Parallelogram/Geometric method.
Please see individual item listing for details on each individual lesson.
ALL lessons have answer keys in the PowerPoint
5 lessons covering the unit of Wave Properties for AQA GCSE Physics.
Lesson include:
Properties of Waves
Reflection and Refraction of Waves
Sound
Ultrasound
Seismic Waves
Please read individual resources descriptions for each item in the bundle for further detail.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - Electrical Power (E=Pt & P=IV) including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter focuses on units and what they measure as a nice recap of all P2 units of measure.
Power and a key definition is provided is reviewed through relatable examples and then put into the context of electrical devices. Examples of calculating power from energy used and time are provided with a worksheet for this. Activity included for power rating circus is optional as alternatively another worksheet is provided allowing the exercise to be completed without a power rating circus.
Energy is then related to current and potential difference with the key equations and exercised with a worksheet.
Finally questions to identify appropriate fuse ratings for electrical devices.
More P2 lessons to come.
A completely resourced lesson on GCSE Physics P2 - fuses, circuit breakers and RCCBs including key content from AQA exam specification.
Starter reviews previous unit content on plug wiring and AC/DC current which leads to fuses.
Electrical safety is discussed through the effects of electric shocks and resistance is briefly revisited, reviewing previous P2 content. Resistance in a wire is related to the operation of fuses which is then detailed ( a nice demo is included in the comment box but alternatively a video can be shown).
Circuit breakers and their function is detailed with animations and videos with key questioning on functions.
A written task reviews fuses and circuit breakers.
The detail required by the exam specification is provided (with an alternative slide for classes that would want to know more).
The importance of earthing is explored through questioning (relating back to P2 Statics).
The plenary task uses pictionary to review all key concepts.
More P2 lessons to come
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Energy and Power of Electrical Devices' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter gets pupils discussing common electrical devices and the useful and wasteful energy transfers they make.
To start looking at Power pupils discuss what power means for familiar figures.
Main includes a clear description of what Power is in Physics and an explanation of the units. This lead onto clear example of using the equation and to a classroom activity looking at power rating of electrical devices and making energy transferred calculation from them.
Included is a review of the power efficiency calculation with examples.
A task sheet allows pupils practice use of the lessons knowledge.
A final line of questioning draws on knowledge of previous topics to review and consolidate content.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State and explain what power is and the unit for power.
2) Relate power ratings to different electrical devices.
3) Calculate power rating of electrical devices.
4) Calculate the energy used and wasted by devices and therefore their efficiency.
Worksheet includes 'Energy & Power' task to be printed on one A4 sheet to save on printing. Set-up to print '2 pages per sheet' to produce one worksheet.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Electrical Power and potential difference' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter looks at the power of different devices of very different orders of magnitude. Following this a quick activity looks at powers and conversion using Watts as the unit to convert - reviews nW, µW, mW, W, kW, MW, GW.
The power and energy transferred equation is reviewed briefly through review questions.
The equation for power using voltage and current is introduced and how to re-arrange it. Fuse ratings are discussed with appropriate choice of fuse rating highlighted.
Energy transfer by heating in conductors/resistors is reviewed and then related to the Power equation using resistance and current. How to re-arrange this is shown in detail.
The lesson concludes with a series of review questions and exam style questions.
Lesson Objectives:
1) State a definition for power.
2) Calculate the power of an appliance by the energy transferred.
3) Relate potential difference and current to electrical power.
4) Identify appropriate fuse ratings for appliances.
5) Identify the uses of resistance in conductors and calculate power using resistance.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ‘Velocity - time graphs’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Starter prompts pupils to discuss what would win a race, a sports car on the road or a car falling from the sky in a mile race. Pupils are then asked to put cars in order acceleration in terms of 0-60 mph.
The difference between speed and velocity is highlighted.
A class activity uses a video car chase for pupils to time the duration of different events which is then used to create a velocity time graph. This allows for the v-t graph to be discussed in terms of what the trends show.
Key v-t graph trends are highlighted and reviewed with how gradients of v-t graphs can give acceleration. Pupils are then tasked to answer questions in relation to the v-t graph from the car chase video.
A quick task requires pupils to match v-t graph trends with d-t graph trends.
The plenary takes a look at a v-t graph for a sky diver to start discussing this area.
Lesson Objectives:
Plot a v-t graph.
Identify key v-t graph trends.
Use the gradient of a v-t graph to calculate the acceleration of an object.
Analyse motion of a body using a v-t graph.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'EM spectrum details' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Recall the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of wavelength, frequency and energy.
2) Explain in detail with different uses up to 4 EM waves.
3)Explain in detail with different uses of all 4 EM waves.
4) Evaluate and discuss the potential risk of using mobile phones.
Resources for new GCSE AQA Physics 2016 specification.
Bundled lessons cover the Energy and energy resources content of the GCSE.
This includes:
- Changes in energy stores.
- Conservation of energy.
- Energy and work.
- Gravitational potential, kinetic and elastic potential energy.
- Energy and efficiency.
- Electrical appliances, Energy and Power.
- Energy transfer by conduction.
- Infrared radiation.
- Infrared radiation, surfaces and the Earth.
- Heating and insulation.
- Energy demands, Fossil fuels, Nuclear Power and Biofuels.
- Renewable Energy Resources.
For clear detail on aspects of each lesson please review each lesson bundled into the packaged to ensure it meets your requirements. I hope this gives you and your pupils a great start to the new Physics GCSE.
I do update each lesson in the bundle with new and varied content as I often revisit lessons to further improve them.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on 'Renewable Energy Resources (Solar, Wind, Hydroelectricity, Wave, tidal, geothermal)' written in line with new AQA Physics specification.
Lesson starts with a series of riddles relating to different types of energy resources.
The need for renewable/alternative energy resources is highlight through questioning regarding previously studied fossil fuels, nuclear power and biofuels.
The different types of renewable energy resources are reviewed for note taking and discussion. Following a summary of key renewable energy resource advantages and disadvantages the pupils are given a writing challenge to compare and contrast different types of energy resources.
The lesson can be done as regular in class lesson or alternatively can be given as webquest for pupils to complete and then slides used for key summary and consolidation.
Lesson Objectives:
1) Explain the need for renewable energy resources.
2) Identify a number of different renewable energy resources.
3) Detail how different energy resources meet our energy demands.
4) Discuss and compare different methods of renewable energy resources, with non renewable resources.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ' Centre of Mass' written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Starter simply looks at balancing object on one finger and how intuitively we can know how to do this. Then stability of different shapes is reviewed and again highlighted how we can assess whether something will be stable or not. The physics of this is then applied in terms of centre of mass. The technique to find the centre of mass for a symmetrical shape is detailed and practices with questions.
Suspended equilibrium and centre of mass is shown using a hanging bird cage and can also be demonstrated in class with a simple mass and string. Then an experiment is outlined to find the centre of mass of irregular shapes.
Centre of mass it then related to real life contexts for practice exam questions.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain what is meant by centre of mass.
- Find the centre of mass for a simple symmetrical object and explain this position.
- Find the centre of mass of an irregular shaped object.
- Apply the principle of centre of mass to real-life problems.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on ’ Pressure in Liquids’ written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
The lesson starts with a question on the dangers presented to deep sea divers.
How liquids exert a pressure is demonstrated with a visual of a series of containers with different heights of liquid inside whilst highlighting the liquid has mass and therefore weight - this is then linked back to pressure = force/area.
The importance of height in relation to pressure is further reviewed with a water bottle that has holes at different heights - the water jets shooting out is then discussed.
Finally reviewing the importance of density to mass to weight and therefore pressure leads to the formation of the equation, P= ρgh - practice of the use of the equation is provided by looking at the pressure beneath the sea at different depths.
The dangers of deep sea scuba diving are again discussed with the lesson knowledge gained.
The lesson is concluded with a set of review question.
Lesson Objectives:
- Explain how a liquid exerts a pressure.
- Explain how pressure exerted by a liquid can be increased.
- Explain how pressure varies at different points in liquid.
- Calculate the pressure in a liquid column.
New GCSE AQA Physics lesson on the motor effect written in line with new AQA Physics specification. All questions provided with answers within power point.
Lesson Objectives:
Explain the ‘motor effect’;
Recall and use Flemings left-hand rule
State what is meant by magnetic flux density
Calculate the force on a current carrying wire
Detail how a simple electric motor works
