This edition of the Computing at School newsletter contains articles covering:

*Computing in the national curriculum

*Computational thinking in the classroom

This activity introduces the idea that climate change is leading to a greater risk of flooding due to higher levels of rainfall in a short period of time. The main part of the activity is a design challenge for the pupils highlighting how...

RAL Space is the UK’s national space laboratory where our thermal engineers and technicians help design and build spacecraft. They make sure that the components will work correctly and are protected in the extreme temperatures of space by using a special type of insulation. In this activity and presentation, pupils...

A pair of videos that studies the thermal insulation properties of bubble wrap. This first video allows students to see an experiment that investigates how increasing the number of layers of bubble wrap around a beaker affects the cooling of hot water. The second explains how to interpret the data, plot the graph...

This resource supports students to understand the key properties of thermosetting and thermoforming polymers and provides examples of uses for these polymers. The resource contains a classroom presentation and student worksheet.

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different classifications of plastics and polymers. Within this lesson students will develop a familiarity of a range of thermoforming polymers, common named polymers, their properties and principal uses. Throughout the lesson...

In this Catalyst article, Mike Follows describes the surprising range of thermometers available to scientists today.

Many physical properties of materials depend on temperature. Thermometers are vital for measuring body temperature. The body's biochemical reactions work best at 37°C and the body is in...

A resource which covers core theory for GCSE Design and Technology: understanding the different classifications of plastics and polymers. Within this lesson students will develop a familiarity of a range of thermosetting polymers, common...

This Science upd8 activity illustrates practical applications of classroom science in the context of using sustainable building materials, and highlights several related various career routes. Students become members of a consultancy firm which specialises in sustainable building projects. They have to use their...

These resources, produced by The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), have been designed to encourage distinctive ways of thinking and learning as part of the NCETM professional development package.

Analysing reasoning and...

Work done in this Nuffield 13 - 16 module followed from the B unit called ‘Machines and engines’ and the S unit ‘Fuels’. This X unit provided enough material for eight double periods. It could be selected to complete either a Science or a Further Science course. The...

This report, from the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers fresh insights into the ways engineers think. It suggests ways in which the education system might be redesigned to develop engineers more effectively and makes suggestions as to how the wider public might become engaged with these issues. The report...

This report, commissioned by the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers fresh insights into the ways engineers think. It goes on to suggest ways in which the education system might be redesigned to develop engineers more effectively. The report also makes suggestions as to how the wider public might become engaged...