Using directions to guide pupils through a maze from the haunted house back to their home In this fun Halloween maze game for kids, students will give each other instructions so that they can successfully navigate a Halloween table maze. This activity provides an engaging and practical way to test KS1 students’ maths knowledge as they will need to use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction, and movement. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on developing understanding of geometric directions and involves giving verbal instructions to allow learners to successfully complete a table maze. Clear instructions and correct vocabulary are important to ensure that the learners know how to complete the maze. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce geometry, position, and direction. This activity needs to be carried out in pairs. One member of the pair will give instructions, the other will use those instructions to navigate the maze. The learner being given the instructions must wear a blindfold. Tools/resources required Projector/Whiteboard Make a maze with tables or use masking tape or other suitable method of marking out the maze layout. Blindfolds The engineering context When engineers program robots they need to be very clear in their instructions to avoid any confusion. For example, the Mars Rover must follow very detailed instructions to help it move safely on the planet and send back pictures. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to follow a set of verbal instructions to successfully navigate a maze, they will understand the importance of clear instructions when instructing others and they will be able to use mathematical vocabulary to describe position, direction and movement. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this Christmas STEM activity, kids can make their own decorations using salt dough, in any shape they like! They can even paint them and unlike normal baked goods, they will last a very long time. Baking is a great way for kids to learn about science and maths in a fun and rewarding way, so get your aprons on! Download the STEM activity sheet and watch our video for step-by-step instructions. If you’re up for an extra activity, help our ornament find its way back to the Christmas tree in our maze. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Protect Santa’s packed lunch with this fun insulator experiment This activity can function as a fun science experiment for kids in which students will observe the effects of thermal energy on change of state. What equipment will you need? Ice cubes with a small Christmas toy frozen inside (cake decorations are ideal for this or any small Christmas toy/decoration), 5 different types of material, which could include bubble wrap, plastic bag, wool, cotton, foam, tin foil etc., Small containers big enough to put wrapped ice cubes in. How to do it Step 1 - Choose which materials you think will keep his lunch cold for the longest. Step 2 - Wrap up each ice cube singly, in one material each, being careful to have the same number of layers for each material. Put each wrapped ice cube in a container. Remember, we are trying to make this a fair test, so what else do you need to keep the same? Step 3 - Decide where to put your ice cubes and how often to check them. What signs will you look for to tell you which material works best? Step 4 - Why do you think some ice cubes are melting more quickly than others? Do you think the cold from the ice cube is getting out, or the warmth from the air is getting into the ice cube? Step 5 - Which material kept your ice cube frozen for the longest? When you have decided which material is best, design a lunchbox to keep Santa’s lunch cool this Christmas Eve. What is thermal energy? Materials melt because of heat, a form of energy (thermal energy). All objects are made up of particles which are in a constant state of motion. Cold objects have less thermal energy than warm objects and the particles which make them up will be moving much more slowly. If we put a cold object next to a warm object, they will exchange thermal energy until they achieve thermal equilibrium – and become the same. We can stop or slow down this energy exchange by using a thermal insulator. Good thermal insulators have very strong bonds to hold their particles in place, stopping the particles from moving around easily and transferring energy to other particles. Download the Insulator experiment activity sheet for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

In this festive STEM graphics project, students will use a net to make a naughty or nice gauge and customise it to their own design. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on how maths can be utilised to understand the use of nets. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded. This activity is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology, and maths. The graphics could be added by hand or using IT. The examples at the end of the presentation were made by learners using computers at home during a lesson delivered using conferencing software. Resources required A4 paper or thin card for handouts Scissors Rulers Brass split pin fasteners Drawing and colouring equipment If available, the handout should be printed on a thin card, as greater rigidity improves performance. The engineering context Engineers use gauges to give visual displays of the amounts or levels of things. This can range from the volume control on a television to the fuel tank on a car to a temperature gauge on a machine. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand that gauges are used to measure things, and they will be able to make a graphic product by cutting and folding a net. Download the Naughty or nice activity sheet for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please do share your classroom highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Design a new uniform for Santa’s elves while learning about maths combinations In this engaging Christmas elf activity, students will use multiplication to determine the possible wearing combinations with a set number of clothing items. Children will have a lot of fun selecting outfits for their elves to wear and fostering their creativity and mathematics skills. It allows pupils to take a practical approach to applying multiplication. This activity is one of a series of accessible STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the Primary National Curriculum. These resources support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. A version of this resource without a Christmas theme is available from the IET Primary website titled Fantastic Fashion. Tools/resources required Coloured crayons/pencils Sticky tack, double sided sticky tape, glue sticks Safety scissors Thin card for printing the Dress-the-Elf activity sheet. The engineering context Understanding combinations is vital to how engineers work out how to make things at the best cost. A bicycle has many parts, so an engineer will work out the best combination of parts to keep the production costs down. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to write and calculate statements for multiplication, they will be able to solve a contextual problem using multiplication, and they will understand how to determine the number of wearing combinations possible using a dress-the-Elf activity. The History of Christmas Elves We can trace the history of Christmas elves to European folklore and traditions. In Scandinavian countries, elves known as “nisse” or “tomte” were believed to be small, mischievous creatures who lived on farms and brought good luck to the household. Over time, these elves became associated with the Christmas season and took on a more benevolent role as helpers of Santa Claus. The popular image of Christmas elves as cheerful, industrious beings with pointy hats and pointed ears emerged in the 19th century, thanks to stories and illustrations. Today, Christmas elves are synonymous with Santa’s workshop, assisting in toy-making and spreading holiday cheer. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Use recycled materials to produce a basket/bag that can be used to store small items or presents for Christmas. In this fun activity for Key Stage 2, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the weaving process and how it can be applied to make products. This is a challenging exercise that requires dexterity. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about the skills and techniques associated with making textile products using weaving. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on environmental issues within design and technology. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the festive season to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, and Engineering. Recycling helps to reduce the number of new materials we need to make products. Your challenge is to use recycled paper to make a great-looking and strong woven storage basket for Christmas. Download our free activity sheet for a step-by-step guide on how to make your own woven bag! Tools/resources required Recycled paper Scissors PVA glue Skewer or dowel Empty card box The engineering context Engineers must understand the environmental impact of the designs they produce and how their carbon footprint can be reduced, for example, by using recycled or reused materials more. Structural engineers must understand how to utilise weaker materials to create more robust structures, such as using rope to make bridges. Weaving is an essential skill for textile designers and engineers. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to apply the process of weaving to create a basket, understand how strong structures can be created from weaker materials, and understand the benefits of using recycled materials to make products. Download the Make a woven bag activity sheet for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

A design project to use creativity in gift making vouchers for family and friends In this activity, learners will make a book of Christmas gift tokens, add some Christmas promises, and then give it to someone as a Christmas gift. This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Mathematics, Design and Technology and Engineering. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach how to make useable objects from printed graphic designs. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on graphics skills, techniques and processes. Follow our step-by-step guide to create your very own Christmas gift tokens: Step 1 – Using the Christmas gift token worksheet, print off the front cover and as many gift tokens as required. Step 2 – Safely cut out the front cover and as many gift tokens as needed. Staple the front cover and gift tokens together to make a book. Step 3 – Add your promises. You can come up with these yourself or use the list in the activity sheet. Step 4 – Give your Christmas gift tokens to someone on Christmas day! Download our free activity sheet for teachers’ notes and fun extension activities! The engineering context Cheques are used as a payment method in numerous engineering scenarios, such as paying for the installation of a new alarm system or payment for the materials needed to build a bridge. Graphic design is key to new product creation and solving global issues. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will know the purpose of and main elements that make up a gift token, and they will be able to make a book of Christmas gift tokens and add promises to it. Download the Christmas gift tokens activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Oh ho ho, and please do share your gift token photos with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.

Scaling activity to change the size of items By applying mathematical knowledge and solving problems involving scale factors, we can manipulate scaled-up or scaled-down drawings. In this fun STEM activity for KS2, students will learn how to change the scale of items, by doubling or halving the size and drawing them to a new scale. This is an engaging and practical exercise through which students will gain a deeper understanding of multiplication and division and how they are useful methods to change the scale of items. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on the use of multiplication and division in the context of scaling an item to either double or half its size. This versatile activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners how to work out scale or to reinforce understanding of multiplication and division. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on the use of maths to understand ratio and proportion. Additionally, it could support the development of drawing skills in art. This is a Halloween-themed exercise that could be done as individuals or in pairs. Students will first use a grid to scale up a drawing of a pumpkin into a larger grid. Once this is completed, students will scale down a drawing of a ghost into a smaller grid. By utilising multiplication and division, students will gain valuable skills in the scaling of items. This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Halloween Multiplication and Division Activity… Worksheets Pencils Erasers The engineering context Structural engineers work with architects to help design most houses, hospitals, office blocks, bridges, oil rigs, ships and aircraft. They make scaled down drawings for each structure. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will know how multiplication can be used to work out scale, they will be able to scale drawings back to their original size by either scaling up or scaling down and they will be able to solve simple problems in scaling contexts i.e., 2 times larger or 2 times smaller. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Investigate light and reflection by making a periscope. In this fun activity for kids, students will learn about the reflection of light in a mirror and make and use a periscope. Learners will have an opportunity to practice making a periscope from a card net. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded. This activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce light and build on experiences to explain how light travels. Alternatively, it could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on understanding the use of nets in maths. Activity: How to make a periscope This activity is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science, design and technology and maths. This resource explores what happens when light reflects off a mirror or other reflective surface. Download the activity sheet below for a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own Pixie Periscope! The best results are obtained using small plastic mirrors (for example, cut from silver acrylic mirror sheets or extracted from toy compacts). If aluminium foil is used, care must be taken to ensure that this is very flat and the shiny side is used for the reflection; however, the observed image’s quality is likely still significantly reduced. Resources required Small plastic mirrors (best method) - if not available use aluminium foil (note: reflection is reduced) Scissors Card Glue sticks, sticky tape Double-sided sticky tape Rulers The engineering context Engineers need to understand how light travels and is reflected off surfaces; This is vital when engineers design rear-view mirrors for cars, periscopes for submarines and giant telescopes to look at the stars. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what happens when light is reflected off a mirror, and they will be able to make a periscope from a net. Download the free How to make a periscope activity sheet! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using coordinates, angles and directions to locate pirate treasure on a map In this exercise learners will look at different methods to find position and direction on a map. They will learn how to use coordinates and bearings using angle and distance. They will work with a pirate treasure map and a series of worksheets to work out where the treasure is. Differentiated worksheets are available, allowing the learners to progress from using simple coordinates and vector coordinates to polar coordinates using bearings with angles and distances. This is one of a set of free STEM resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on position and direction using vector and polar coordinates, with the theme of a pirate treasure map. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity for KS2, to teach learners how to use coordinates and angles. Further number skills may be used to work out map scale and distances. This exercise could be carried out as individuals or in pairs. The learners will find buried treasure on a pirate map, using various methods to find position and give direction. Students will follow the instructions on the ‘Treasure Hunt’ worksheet and add the positions and lines of direction on the Treasure Map using a ruler and pencil. The worksheets are progressive; The first worksheet uses coordinates, the second uses vector coordinates and the third worksheet uses polar coordinates. This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Activity and worksheets Protractors (360 degree) Rulers Pencils/Coloured pencils/Pens Erasers The engineering context When planning to build new stadiums and large industrial sites, civil engineers need a good understanding of map reading skills to make sure that the buildings are built in exactly the right place. Engineers use special equipment to get the bearings and distance correct. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to describe a position on a map or grid, they will be able to give directions to a specific point on a map or grid using vector coordinates and they will be able to give directions to a specific point on a map or grid using polar coordinates. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Learn how to understand fractions by sharing a pumpkin pie amongst your friends at a Halloween party This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and science. This resource focuses on using a pumpkin pie cutting approach to teaching fractions. Learners will relate to this approach as pies are a common food that can be shared in equal parts. This pumpkin pie fractions activity could be used as a starter or main activity to introduce fractions and can be developed further with other objects and a combination of halves and quarters. This exercise could be completed by individual learners or table groupings. As a fun alternative to the handouts, actual pies could be used (or pizzas or pancakes or similar). How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Coloured pencils or crayons for completion of the handout activity The engineering context Fractions are an essential tool for engineers to ensure precise measurements and calculations in their work. Engineers use fractions extensively in their work, as fractions provide a way to express precise measurements and calculations. Engineers commonly use fractions to express measurements and dimensions of various objects, such as the height, width, and length of a building or the diameter of a pipe. Fractions are also used when working with ratios and proportions, which are important in many engineering applications. In manufacturing and construction, fractions are used to specify precise measurements for parts and components, which must fit together accurately. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will be able to understand that a half and quarter are ‘fractions of’ a whole object, they will be able to recognise, find and name a half as one of two equal parts of a unit and they will be able to recognise, find and name a quarter as one of four equal parts of a unit. Additionally, they will be able to understand that fractions, halves and quarters, can be combined as part of a whole unit. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Using Archimedes’ principle to investigate why boats float In this activity learners will learn what is meant by density. Learners will perform an experiment to see whether modelling clay moulded into different shapes either sinks or floats. They will discuss why this happens and how the principle demonstrated allows boats to stay afloat. This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource focuses on understanding density and, through practical measurement, working out which materials are low and high density, and which will therefore float or sink. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a mould to make the boat shape from the modelling clay or by pre-measuring the mass of modelling clay used. As an extension students could try adding small items into the modelling clay boat. How much weight can it carry before it sinks? Calculate the density of the ball and the boat shape made from modelling clay. This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes. Tools/resources required Bowls and trays Science beakers/Measuring jugs Weighing scales Water Modelling clay The engineering context The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts. Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how Archimedes’ principle works; that is two things are the same size, the one that is denser is heavier; and how boats use the Archimedes principle to stay afloat. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

Create a stone garden display for the school entrance to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the King’s coronation to design a rock garden in the style of a flag or other item to commemorate the event. They will consider the design brief for the criteria, use a template to produce a design on paper, consider the scale for the final display and produce the final display. The teacher will first explain what a commemorative stone garden or display is with suitable examples which learners will discuss to state what is good about each example and what could be done better. Learners will then discuss which images should be used, for example, a Union Jack flag or a crown. The teacher will then lead the learner through the stages of design, scaling up, making and installing their stone garden where the class will come together to assemble their display in the designated area at school. This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by supplying regular sized pebbles and cutting out the paper rocks to be the same size as these pebbles, then missing out the maths scaling part of the activity. To help, learners could also be provided with images for inspiration, e.g. flags, crowns, school entrance locations, etc. Use the handout for learners to cut out the 2D paper stones, sketch their design ideas onto them and assemble their stones into their garden design. As an extension students could create a border around their display incorporating flowers and plants and/or design a new flag to represent the whole of the United Kingdom. Tools/resources required Coloured paper – red, blue and white Scissors Glue sticks Alternative: coloured pencils or paints Paint (water based acrylic paint) Brushes and water to clean them Gloves and overalls Stones and small cobbles Paint suitable for outside use The engineering context All designers and engineers need to be able to produce ideas related to certain themes and follow a design brief. This ensures that the products they design will meet the needs of the end users, customers or clients. Using natural materials is becoming more common in the built environment. It is important for engineers to have a working knowledge of different natural materials and their potential applications. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this free resource students will be able to design and produce an attractive stone display to celebrate the King’s coronation; produce designs that meet a given brief; and be able to use measurements and scaling when designing. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

**Make a pyramid out of paper and learn how to calculate its volume ** Students will understand how to make a pyramid out of paper in this fun activity for kids. Students will create both small and large pyramids. Students will learn about scale by comparing the large pyramids with the smaller pyramids. Following this, students will learn how to calculate the volume of the pyramids. This activity will test students’ maths abilities, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources and activity sheets are provided to support teachers. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity learners will learn about 3D structures within a graphical project. Learners will have an opportunity to use a net to make pyramids of different sizes. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Downloadable content Make a pyramid activity Make a pyramid presentation Make a pyramid handout Tools/resources required Glue sticks Paper Rulers Scissors Calculators Sticky tack (optional) The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Learn how to write numbers in hieroglyphics Through this activity students will learn what hieroglyphics are and how they were used by the ancient Egyptians. They will then discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics and how to use them to carry out basic numeracy functions. This fun activity will test students’ maths abilities, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources are included to provide support for teachers. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity learners will discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics. This could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the works of the ancient Egyptians contributing to learning in D&T, History and Mathematics or as an alternative method of reinforcing learning in basic numeracy. Additionally, this could be used to start a discussion on Ancient Egypt or to introduce the concept of people using different languages. It could also be used in conjunction with the other IET activities in this theme, ‘Making Papyrus’ and ‘Write like an Egyptian’. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Downloadable content • Count using hieroglyphics activity • Count using hieroglyphics presentation Tools/resources required • Paper • Pens/pencils The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

In this activity learners will carry out a practical investigation to investigate how spur gears work, including calculation of simple gear ratios and assembling models of simple gear trains. Gears are used to change the speed at which something turns. A series of gears that turn each other are called a ‘gear train.’ This resource has been developed with the support of the Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre and focuses on the role of gears in a mechanism. The main activity involves making a series of spur gears to calculate gear ratios and see them working. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of gears in D&T or the practical use of ratios in maths, or as part of a project/series of lessons creating a mechanised object. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Tools/resources required • Scissors • Glue sticks • Sharp pencil • Card and Split pins • Blu Tack (for piercing the card safely) • Cardboard (Alternative: foam board and thumb tacks) The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Make a Chinese zodiac animal wheel to learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product. In this activity learners will learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product. Learners will use a template to cut out the circle templates for the Chinese zodiac animal wheel and also learn about the twelve zodiac animals. In the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by an animal with a different personality. Why not find out more about this tradition and a Chinese zodiac animal wheel from a template? Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Tools/resources required Thin card Scissors Pencils Sticky tack Paper fasteners The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

Learn about cutting and folding simple 3D structures by making a fortune cookie from card. In this activity learners will learn about cutting and folding simple 3D structures within a graphics project. Learners will use a provided template to cut out the circle for the fortune cookie. The fortune cookie first appeared in 1890 in San Francisco, USA. They have a typical shape and contain a message on paper. It became a Chinese New Year tradition even though fortune cookies only reached China in 1989. Download the activity sheets for free! All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. Tools/resources required Thin, coloured Card Scissors Glue sticks Paper fasteners Decoration materials The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

Designing a new way of carrying things. This resource focusses on designing a new item of luggage that travellers can use to store and carry their belongings. Learners will create a list of design criteria for the luggage, apply mathematical knowledge in measuring the objects that need to be carried, then design the luggage itself. What you will need Pencils Rulers Tape measures (if available) A3 and A4 paper as required All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation

Consider colour sequences and measurements while making paper chains for Christmas Paper chains are super easy to make and a great way to decorate a room or Christmas Tree. In this Christmas STEM activity, students are going to try to make the longest chain possible with three pieces of paper. Students will consider the different sequences that are all around them, whilst thinking about colour patterns and number sequences. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM