Science Alive at Alton Towers; Design and Technology Alive at Alton Towers. The Energizer, a terrifying ride in a crazy ship, and the Corkscrew, a spiralling rollercoaster, might seem unlikely places to study key stage 3 science and design and technology. But “Britain’s number one theme park, ” as it calls itself, disagrees. These two packs are structured round a visit to the park and subjects include, appropriately enough, rotary and complex motion, structural stability and kinetic and potential energy. They include videos, a teacher’s guide and study cards. Pounds 9.99. Contact Alton Towers on 0990 204060.
Let’s Reach Out: primary version; secondary version. Described as “a survivor’s guide for coordinators of environmental education”, these handbooks introduce teachers to ideas and concepts and include briefings for colleagues as well as INSET ideas. Pounds 7.95 each. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF UK), Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR. Tel: 01483 426444.
Drugs and the Law. Are whizz and speed the same? How long does a criminal record last? What could happen if you are suspected of drug use? These are some of the questions explored on this video for use with teenagers. Made with advice from the New River Health Authority and the Drugs Advisory Service in Haringey. Pounds 15; Pounds 20 with seven-page teacher’s pack. Trigger Videos, PO Box 7387, London N4 4LL. Tel: 0181 348 3656.
The Indus Valley: National Curriculum History: Key Stage 2. Much knowledge of the Indus Valley is based on archaeological evidence which makes it a rich source of learning. This pack includes teachers’ notes, pupils’ activities, resource materials and pictures showing archaeological work. Pounds 20. Education Publications, Commonwealth Institute, Kensington High Street, London W8 6NQ. Tel: 0171 603 4535.
Playmakers: Developing a Learning Community. Essentially a case study of partnerships between business and education, this pack for schools and businesses was supported by organisations including The Boots Company, Central Broadcasting and a cluster of Nottingham schools. It contains a video and booklet. Free from Groundwork Foundation, 85-87 Cornwall Street, Birmingham B3 3BY. Tel: 0121 236 8565.
Accelerate Your Learning: How to Fly Through School and College. Today’s crowded curriculum leaves no time to teach children how to learn, argue the producers of this pack which aims to help students of any age increase their learning potential. It includes a video and several books. Pounds 29.95. Accelerated Learning Systems Ltd, 50 Aylesbury Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5AH. Tel: 01296 631177.
The Heinemann Dictionary Resource File aims to encourage students to explore the new Heinemann English Dictionary in ways that satisfy the requirements of the new English curriculum at key stages 3 and 4 and are also fun. It includes games and quizzes. Pounds 27.50. Heinemann Publishers, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8EJ. Tel: 01865 311366.
