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Science with a Smile

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Primarily physics, with some other science-y goodness thrown in. Specializing in student-driven, research-based activities.

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Primarily physics, with some other science-y goodness thrown in. Specializing in student-driven, research-based activities.
KS4 Lesson: Speed
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KS4 Lesson: Speed

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Presentation and accompanying student notes for an introductory lesson on speed. Covers the speed equation, and common speeds in everyday life. Originally designed to support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification (outcomes 2.6, 2.12), this lesson would be suitable for introducing speed calculations under any curriculum. This lesson includes: a starter activity that supports prior student learning on unit conversions; specification links to learning outcomes; multiple representations of the speed equation (word equation and the formula triangle); examples and practice calculations relating to everyday speeds; and a link to a plenary survey on Kahoot!. Text for student notes is contained in dashed boxes for easy identification of key ideas, and key terminology is highlighted throughout. The accompanying notes sheets may be used for students who have difficulty in reading/copying from the board, or for the entire class. This lesson makes use of the following classroom resources: interactive whiteboard, school or student devices for accessing Kahoot!. It can be altered to suit resources available to you. Please note that worked solutions to examples and practice calculations, as well as teaching suggestions are included in the presenter's notes within the PowerPoint file. Includes presentation in .pptx format, as well as notes sheets in .docx and PDF format.
Equation Organizer Study Guide
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Equation Organizer Study Guide

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The number of equations that are used in science and math courses can be overwhelming for some students. This resource is designed to remove some of the stress involved with keeping track of useful equations, and provide an easy point of reference for students when studying. Have your students file this chart at the front or back of their workbook, and encourage them to update it regularly. This blank organizer chart contains three columns. In the first column, students write an equation in its symbolic form; in the second, they translate those symbols into words; and the third column provides space for an equation triangle or other visual aid. A page numbering space in the header makes it easy for students to add and organize additional pages as required. Ideal for equation-heavy courses in physics, chemistry, economics, engineering, or mathematics at all levels. Includes one two-page PDF file containing an organizer "front page" and a second page that can be copied double-sided to provide additional chart space.
Physics Fundamentals Lesson Bundle
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Physics Fundamentals Lesson Bundle

5 Resources
A set of three lessons designed to introduce key concepts in physics to students who are new to studying the subject. Originally designed for the Edexcel 9-1 specification, these lessons would support any curriculum that introduces these concepts. Each lesson includes a starter activity, a plenary quiz, and accompanying lesson notes sheets for students. This bundle also includes differentiated worksheets on unit conversions, and standard form and significant figures. Lessons are designed to be presented in the following order: Lesson 1: SI Units and Unit Conversions Lesson 2: Standard Form and Significant Figures Lesson 3: Scalars and Vectors The price of this bundle represents a 20% savings on the cost of purchasing each resource individually.
KS4 Lesson: Scalars and Vectors
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KS4 Lesson: Scalars and Vectors

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Presentation and accompanying lesson notes on scalars and vectors. Originally designed to support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification (outcomes 2.1-2.4), this lesson would be suitable for introducing the concept of scalar and vector quantities under any curriculum. This lesson includes a starter activity on writing directions, specification links to learning outcomes, a demonstration activity to highlight the difference between scalar and vector quantities, examples of how to add scalar and vector quantities, and a plenary quiz. Text for student notes is contained in dashed boxes for easy identification of key ideas, and key terminology is highlighted throughout. The accompanying notes sheets may be used for students who have difficulty in reading/copying from the board, or for the entire class. This lesson makes use of the following classroom resources: interactive whiteboard, blindfold, traffic light cards. It can be altered to suit resources available to you. Please note that instructions for the game and other teaching suggestions are included in the presenter's notes within the PowerPoint file. Includes presentation in .pptx format, as well as notes sheets in .docx and PDF format.
KS4 Worksheet: Significant figures and standard form
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KS4 Worksheet: Significant figures and standard form

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A differentiated worksheet to reinforce basic concepts around significant figures and standard form/scientific notation. The worksheet consists of three sections: Part 1 asks students to identify the number of significant figures in a given number; Part 2 requires students to give the answers to basic calculations using the correct number of significant figures; and Part 3 has students practice writing numbers in standard form. Students are asked to complete a minimum number of questions in each section, and each question has been designated as Level 1 (Easy), Level 2 (Medium) or Level 3 (Challenging). This resource complements my lesson on Standard Form and Significant Figures. Originally designed to support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification (outcome 1.4), the worksheet would be suitable for use with any curriculum. It could be used as part of an introductory lesson on these concepts, or as a revision resource. Included is the worksheet in PDF, Word and Pages format, along with an answer key in PDF format.
KS4 Lesson: Standard Form and Significant Figures
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KS4 Lesson: Standard Form and Significant Figures

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Presentation and accompanying lesson notes on standard form and significant figures. Originally designed to support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification (outcome 1.4), this lesson would be suitable for introducing standard form/scientific notation and significant figures in any curriculum. This lesson includes a starter activity, specification links to learning outcomes, multiple examples (with answers included in presentation notes), and a true/false plenary quiz. Text for student notes is contained in dashed boxes for easy identification of key ideas, and key terminology is highlighted throughout. The accompanying notes sheets may be used for students who have difficulty in reading/copying from the board, or for the entire class. Also included is a short summary of rules for identifying significant figures that students can glue directly into the front/back of their books. This lesson makes use of the following classroom resources: interactive whiteboard, traffic light cards. It can be altered to suit resources available to you. If you would like a worksheet to accompany this lesson, I have a differentiated worksheet available. Includes presentation in .pptx format, as well as notes sheets in .docx and PDF format, and the rules summary sheet formatted three-up in PDF format.
KS4 Lesson: SI Units and Unit Conversions
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KS4 Lesson: SI Units and Unit Conversions

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Presentation and accompanying lesson notes sheet covering SI units and unit conversions for physics. Originally designed to support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification (outcomes 1.1-1.3), this lesson would be suitable for introducing standard units and unit conversion calculations in any curriculum. This lesson includes a think-pair-share starter activity, specification links to learning outcomes, whiteboard quiz, multiple examples (with answers included in presentation notes), and a true/false plenary quiz. Text for student notes is contained in dashed boxes for easy identification of key ideas, and key terminology is highlighted throughout. The accompanying notes sheets may be used for students who have difficulty in reading/copying from the board, or for the entire class. This lesson makes use of the following classroom resources: interactive whiteboard, student whiteboards, traffic light cards. It can be altered to suit resources available to you. If you would like a worksheet to accompany this lesson, I have differentiated Unit Conversions worksheets available as a free download. Includes presentation in .pptx and Keynote format, as well as notes sheets in .docx and PDF format.
Activity: Physics Scavenger Hunt
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Activity: Physics Scavenger Hunt

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A scavenger hunt activity based on learning outcomes in physics. Makes a great end-of-term or end-of-year activity, or an icebreaker/fun revision activity for the beginning of the year. **Please note that the first item in Part II will need to be altered as it is school-specific! Just pick any well-known corridor in your school.** Originally designed for Year 7 students, this could be adapted to suit any KS3 or KS4 class. Just alter the list of items to fit the desired specification/age level. As written, I found that groups of 4-5 students could comfortably complete this activity in 25 minutes. Equipment requirements: Each group will need at least one phone that can record video and take photos, a timer (phones work here as well), a tape measure or a couple of metre sticks, and a pen or pencil. Includes activity sheets in Word and Pages format. *** Legal stuff: Cover image is "scavenger hunt flyer" by Ryan Ruppe on Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/8PyU2). Image is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/).
KS3 Project: Tobacco information advertisement
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KS3 Project: Tobacco information advertisement

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Assignment sheet and sample mark scheme for a research project on the effects of smoking tobacco on the respiratory system. Students are asked to conduct research into chemicals found in tobacco smoke and the effects of three specified chemicals. They are then given the freedom to choose how they present their research, with the guideline that it should be structured as an informational advertisement (suggestions for possible formats are given). Originally designed to support the KS3 Exploring Science program, this project would fit into any National Curriculum specification. It could also work in a PSHE or other health education program. Includes the assignment sheet in PDF, Word and Pages format, and a PDF of the mark scheme I use, formatted 2-up on a page for ease of copying.
Demonstration Worksheet: Flame tests
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Demonstration Worksheet: Flame tests

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A worksheet designed to accompany a demonstration of flame tests of different ionic compounds. Students are provided with a reference chart of flame colours for different ions and asked to predict which ions were present in each compound based on the colour of the flame. A short introductory paragraph explains what is happening at the atomic level to produce the colours. While this was originally designed for a chemistry lesson on the structure of ions and ionic compounds, I've also used flame tests in teaching outcome 5.24 of the Edexcel 9-1 Physics GCSE. Any excuse to break out the Bunsen burners and make fun colours. You could adapt this sheet to support a student-led practical. Includes the worksheet with reference chart, which is designed to be printed double-sided on A4 or US Letter. PDF, Word and Pages format available, so everything can be adapted to your requirements.
KS4 Independent Research Activity: Describing Waves
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KS4 Independent Research Activity: Describing Waves

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A set of questions and tasks to guide independent research on wave properties. A great introduction to studying waves that would work as a home study task for flipped learning, or as an activity for an ICT lesson. Originally designed for the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE specification, covering outcomes 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, this resources is general enough that it will support other programmes. It could also serve as a overview/reminder task for A-level physics students. Includes a task sheet and the wave characteristics chart, both in PDF format.
KS3 Energy Project/Assessment: Design an off-the-grid home
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KS3 Energy Project/Assessment: Design an off-the-grid home

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This activity has students apply their knowledge of concepts related to energy in designing an off-the-grid house. It can be used as a project or an alternative assessment. A suggested mark scheme is provided, as well as teaching notes, which include a sample lesson plan, and options for scaffolding or extending the activity. This was originally designed as the end-of-topic assessment for a Year 7 unit on energy. While the curriculum was the school's own, this activity will also work in the context of the National Curriculum, and could be adapted to include other National Curriculum outcomes. It could also be suitable for some KS4 students, as it touches on some of the relevant concepts (renewable energy, energy transfers), and it proved to be quite challenging for my high-ability Year 7s. Includes the activity brief and mark scheme in a single file in PDF, Word and Pages format. I copied the brief and the mark scheme front and back onto a page, so each student had the mark scheme while they were completing the assignment. Also includes teaching notes in PDF format. *** Legal stuff: Cover image of the Brighton Earthship is by Dominic Alves and is from Flickr via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AEarthship_Brighton_Front.jpg). This image is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en).
Molecular Compounds flashcards
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Molecular Compounds flashcards

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Set of 10 flashcards featuring names of common molecular compounds on one side and chemical formulas on the other. Originally designed to support Canadian Grade 10 Science courses, but would be useful for any program of study where knowledge of common molecular compounds is required. Includes one PDF file designed to be printed on both sides of a sheet of US Legal-sized paper.
KS3/KS4 Calculating Weight practice problems
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KS3/KS4 Calculating Weight practice problems

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A set of six practice problems of increasing difficulty, based on 'weight = mass x gravitational field strength' calculations. Well-organized, model solutions are provided. Originally designed for high-ability KS3 students, this would also support the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE curriculum (Topic 2, outcomes 2.16-2.18). It is assumed that students will know g = 10 N/kg on Earth, but g values for the Moon and Mars are given in the problems. Includes the worksheet in Word, Pages, and PDF format, as well as the answer key in PDF format.
KS4 Physics Holiday Design Challenge
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KS4 Physics Holiday Design Challenge

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Mr S. Claus needs a new sleigh, and your KS4 Physics students will need to put their knowledge of motion and forces to the test if they want to have the winning design! Ideal for those last few days of term before the holidays begin. I've had good results from putting a chocolate prize up for grabs for the best design. This activity is designed to be completed in one lesson. The activity sheet consists of a project brief, a few simple calculations (unit conversions, calculating average speed, F = m x a), and space for students to design their sleigh. Includes the activity sheet in Word and PDF format. *** Legal stuff: Cover image is from Creative Tools via Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/95hFqx). Image is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/).
Unit Conversions Practice Worksheets (two levels)
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Unit Conversions Practice Worksheets (two levels)

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Two sheets of unit conversion practice calculations. Level 1 is a bit easier, Level 2 a bit harder. Targeted for the Edexcel 9-1 specification, but would work for any curriculum that requires students to do metric unit conversions. Includes one PDF file containing both worksheets.
Physics Equations Quiz for Edexcel 9-1 GCSE (up to Topic 3)
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Physics Equations Quiz for Edexcel 9-1 GCSE (up to Topic 3)

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A short quiz on the must-learn equations for the Edexcel 9-1 GCSE. Covers all equations up to Topic 3 (Conservation of Energy). Feedback from my students (and their test results!) has indicated that remembering equations is one of their biggest areas of concern. In response, I put together this quiz, and provided my students with the list of equations from Appendix 2 in the specification as a study guide. The quiz is a fill-in-the-blank style (one mark per blank), and includes a mix of word equations, symbolic equations, and compounding units. Pure recall. Includes the quiz in Word and Pages format, as well as the answer key as a PDF. *** Cover image: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Mathematics-Mathematical-Physics-Formula-School-757566
KS3 Biology MRS GREN worksheet
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KS3 Biology MRS GREN worksheet

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A fill-in-the-blanks worksheet on the seven "MRS GREN" life processes, with extension questions included. Designed for the new Exploring Science KS3 scheme of work (lesson 8Da in the three-year scheme). Worksheet is in PDF format. Answer key is included as a separate PDF file.
Mock exam reflection survey package
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Mock exam reflection survey package

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Two short surveys to help students reflect on their mock exam preparation and performance. Surveys are general enough to be used in a range of subjects. The first survey (pre-results) is designed to be completed as soon as possible after the exam is written. The second survey (post-results) should be completed once students have had the opportunity to review their marked exams. These are great tools for self-assessment/AfL, and provide useful information for the teacher as well. Surveys are in PDF format, 2-up on an A4 page.
KS4 Independent Research Activity: Energy resources
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KS4 Independent Research Activity: Energy resources

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Guidance questions to help students conduct research into renewable and non-renewable energy resources. Ideal for a self-directed lesson, or for flipped learning. Designed for the new Edexcel 9-1 curriculum. Links to outcome 3.13 in Topic 3: Conservation of Energy. Pages and Word files included if you'd like to adapt to a different specification. *** Legal stuff: Cover image from Flickr via Wikimedia Commons (Author: Jürgen from Sandesneben, Germany). Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en).