physics resources Archives - Education

13 May 2022

A catalogue of 25 “hot Jupiter” exoplanets

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Earth & Space Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, STEM In Action, Tools for Teachers | 0

Astronomers are counting and analysing the planets beyond our Solar System – and their atmospheres. An exoplanet is a planet outside of our Solar System. While the first possible exoplanet observation was recorded in 1917, the existence of exoplanets was … Continued

4 May 2022

Got a new UV torch? Here are some things to shine it on

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

The UV torches that come with RATs could prompt some fun discoveries. This article has a simplified explanation of how UV light works and describes some interesting uses of UV light. It is suitable as an introduction to reflection for … Continued

26 Aug 2021

Helmets and Forces

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Children and their parents are underestimating the danger of scooters, skateboard and skates with often dire consequences. This resource shows the real-life implications and consequences of not wearing helmets with any non-motorised vehicle. It is an easily relatable example showing … Continued

15 Jun 2021

Explainer: What are fundamental particles?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Learn about the fundamental particles and forces that make up the Universe in this explainer resource for Year 9 and Senior Physics students. Included in the teacher resource is a research activity encouraging students to explore Australian scientists’ contributions to … Continued

8 Jun 2021

Dude! Where’s my flying car?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

The Jetsons cartoons gave the boomer generation a vision of seemingly magically powered flying vehicles, delivering George Jetson to his office, wife Jane to the mall (no sexism there) and the children to school. It all seemed to work so … Continued

3 Jun 2021

Explainer: The Electromagnetic Spectrum

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

You think you might know light, but there's way more to it than meets the eye. Find out all the flavours that make up the electromagnetic spectrum in this explainer article and video. This resource has a great explanation of … Continued

8 Dec 2020

Hayabusa2 capsule and cargo are back

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Earth & Space Sciences, Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Here's what you need to know about Hayabusa2 landing in South Australia. This article describes what happened after the Hayabusa2 capsule landed and why it is so exciting for scientists. It is best suited for students in Years 5, 7 … Continued

7 Dec 2020

So, why a cone-shaped meteorite?

by Deborah Devis | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

It’s just the physics of flight, mathematicians suggest. This short article discusses why a meteorite is often cone-shaped by looking at how the forces and energy they experience shape them. It is suitable for Year 7, 8 and 10 Physics … Continued

30 Oct 2020

This Show Is NOT Rubbish – Ep1: Wired for Sound

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

The Trash Can Man is on a mission to turn TRASH into (scientific) TREASURE! Hidden inside every pile of refuse and rejectamenta are a billion different possibilities... In this episode, Trashy creates the most extraordinary sound from a very ordinary … Continued

8 Oct 2020

Lighting the way to cyclist safety

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

A focus on biomotion separates cyclist from bike. The Australian national winner of the 2020 James Dyson awards has been announced and his design is set to save thousands of lives. This article and associated teaching resources are suitable for … Continued