Resources

Physics in space

The units of the Supported Learning in Physics Project (SLIPP), published by Heinemann, introduced students to a new method of studying on their own, or sometimes in small groups with other students. The teacher’s role was to guide students in their use of the unit.

Students were expected to learn about the...

Built around the common core of physics A Level syllabuses this book, which is one of a series of eight titles, covers all the compulsory content with the aim of promoting independent learning for post-16 students....

Physics in Sport: Boccia

In this activity students roll rice filled balls (to mimic boccia balls) down a slope and measure the distance that they roll after the end of the slope. The ball is released from different heights up the slope and a graph of stopping distance is plotted. Students must then compete to roll their balls to a target...

Physics in Sport: Cycling

This activity looks at energy transfer and develops students’ mathematical skills by applying simple calculations to work out how far someone could ride round a Velodrome track on the energy of a marshmallow. The activity suggests using a bicycle to measure the distance travelled by the bicycle from one pedal...

Physics in Sport: Equestrian

This resource uses the context of horse riding so that students can investigate the centre of gravity of a cut-out paper horse. By using a plumb-line and drawing intersecting lines, the centre of gravity can be found - this is the point above which a rider on a horse should position themselves when going over a...

Physics in Sport: Fencing

This resource uses the context of fencing to make a simple electric circuit. Students make an epee sword out of a smarties tube and incorporate a buzzer that should sound when the button on the end of the smarties tube is pressed. Students are encouraged investigate how they could change the volume of the buzzer or...

Physics in Sport: Gymnastics

The challenge in this activity is to construct a landing mat capable of dissipating the kinetic energy of a marble dropped onto it, but also being firm enough for the marble not to bounce off. Students are given different materials to trial as a landing mat and must experiment to discover which material is best...

Physics in Sport: Rowing

In this activity, students must hollow out a cucumber to use as a model rowing boat. By adding weights to the boat they can learn about buoyancy and upthrust. They add modelling clay rowers to the boats and can then compete to see if their rowing boat will make it across a large container of water without sinking...

Physics in Sport: Shooting

This resource sets a challenge to create a catapult, using lollipop sticks, to fire a marshmallow up into the air. The design of the catapult allows students to investigate the principle of moments. Teams investigate how changing the pivot point will affect the height that the marshmallow achieves and then...

Physics in Sport: Swimming

In this resource, by performing tests on the speed with which different materials move through water, students will provide a recommendation as to the best material for professional swimmers to use in the pool. The investigation requires repeated measurements for the time taken for a ball, wrapped in the...