National 4 Physics
Resource Guide
September 2015
NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
National 4 Physics Resources Guide
This resource guide has been produced in response to requests from staff who attended the NQ Sciences events at Hampden Stadi um in
December 2013. Those attending felt it would be useful to have a document which helped them navigate to the most relevant resources
quickly.
The following pages show the mandatory course key areas table from the SQA National 4 Physics Course and Unit Support Notes. An
additional fourth column has been included which contains hyperlinks to useful resources. Please note: Staff are not required to use the
resources listed – they are only included as helpful suggestions. Staff should also refer to the SQA website for the most up-to-date
course and unit support notes.
To further assist staff links to useful SQA documentation have been included at the beginning of each unit. The SQA documentation relating to
the course is shown here along with resources for the Investigation.
SQA documents
Web link
Course specification
http://bit.ly/1HISnoO
Course and unit support notes
http://bit.ly/1efQLYh
Update letter June 2014
http://bit.ly/1IEGFdh
Education Scotland learning materials
Glow NQ course materials portal
Glow sciences community
http://bit.ly/NQGLOWPHYS
http://bit.ly/GLOWPHYS
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Electricity and Energy
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1G6VFNb
Suggested learning activities
Generation of electricity
Knowledge of advantages and
disadvantages of different
methods of electricity generation.
Research energy supply and
demand projections from current
data.
UK Government learner resource – Electricity
statistics
Research different energy sources.
National STEM centre teacher resource –
Current affairs: Christmas
Knowledge of the potential role of
different methods of electricity
generation in future sustainable
energy supply.
Awareness of the concept of
energy efficiency and energy
efficiency issues related to
generation distribution and use of
electricity.
Knowledge of energy
transformations and basic
components of power stations.
Prepare a plan for a Scottish island
to be self-sufficient in electricity from
natural resources.
Exemplification of key areas
Useful resources
Mandatory course key areas
Institute of Mechanical Engineers learner
resource – Scottish energy 2020?
Research generation and
transmission losses.
Scottish Government learner resource – 2006
Scottish energy study
Discuss the implications of
distribution methods — overhead
cables versus underground cables.
Education Scotland teacher resource –
Energy security context for learning
Carry out investigations into
generation of electricity, for example,
dynamo, and methods of passing a
magnet through coil of wire.
Compare input and output energy for
power stations using different energy
sources.
Research or investigate the factors
affecting the electrical output from a
Education Scotland learner resource –
Investigating biomass
National Museums Scotland teacher resource
– Get energised!
Energy Savers animation – Renewable
energy animations
YouTube video – How do different types of
renewable energy work?
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
range of sources, for example solar
cells or wind turbines.
BBC Bitesize learner resource – The national
grid
Research microgeneration such as
home-based solar panels, wind
turbines or hydro electricity.
Ted Ed teacher resource – National grid fully
charged
Observe a demonstration of model
power lines.
Cyberphysics teacher resource – The
national grid energy distribution
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Power lines
Ted Ed video – Why aren't we only using
solar power?
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Desertec
BBC Bitesize video – Wind farms (pt 1/3)
BBC Bitesize video – Wind farms (pt 2/3)
BBC Bitesize video – Wind farms (pt 3/3)
YouTube video – Energy 101: electricity
generation
YouTube video – Where energy comes from
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Electrical power
Definition of electrical power as a Compare the efficiency of a
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
measure of the energy transferred microwave oven to that of a kettle by
Appliance science
electrically to an appliance every heating water.
second.
Study.com teacher resource – What is
𝐸
Input energy from smart meter or
electrical power?
𝑃=
Comparison of power
rated power/time and output from
𝑡
consumption of heat producing
heat energy in water using specific
CK-12 activity – Electric power and electrical
and non heat producing
heat capacity.
energy use
appliances, qualitative and
𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝐸𝑜
% 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
× 100%
quantitative.
Determine the efficiency of an
𝐸𝑖
CK-12 activity – Power
electric motor or water pump.
Use of an appropriate relationship
BBC Bitesize video – Efficiency of power
𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑃𝑜
to solve problems involving
Compare the brightness of different
% 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
× 100%
stations
𝑃
𝑖
power, energy and time.
types of lamp using a light meter.
Carry out investigations with
Physics Central teacher resource – Super
Awareness of energy efficiency
power/energy meters.
efficient LEDs
as a key factor in conserving
resources and the environment.
Compare the information from
BBC Bitesize learner resource – Efficiency
various power rating plates.
Use of an appropriate relationship
S-cool simulation – Power and efficiency
to solve problems involving
efficiency given input and output
FuturEnergia teacher resource – A guide to
power/energy.
teaching across the curriculum about energy
efficiency, energy savings and renewable
energy solutions
Energy Savers teacher resource – Energy
management lesson & activity ideas
Energy Savers activity – Energy management
tips
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Electromagnetism
Sketch of magnetic field patterns
between magnetic poles.
Knowledge of the magnetic
effects of electricity.
Knowledge of some practical
applications of magnets and
electromagnets.
Use of transformers in high
voltage transmission.
BBC Bitesize video – Laws of magnetism
Draw magnetic field patterns around
permanent magnets using iron
filings, etc.
Investigate the magnetic field
patterns around different shapes of
electromagnets, for example a linear
solenoid or a horseshoe shape.
Examine a range of applications
using permanent and
electromagnets and justify why each
type of magnet is used.
BBC Bitesize video – A three dimensional
magnetic field
𝑁𝑠
𝑉𝑠
=
𝑁𝑝
𝑉𝑝
PhET simulation – Magnets and
electromagnets
BBC Bitesize video – Magnetism
BBC Bitesize video – Magnetism and aviation
BBC Bitesize video – Strong magnets
BBC Bitesize video – Electromagnets
Research the range of applications
of electromagnets — relays, bells,
loudspeakers, fire door retainers,
fail-safe brakes on lifts, Maglev
trains, etc.
Teach Engineering activity – Hands-on
activity: creating an electromagnet
NASA teacher resource – Magnetism and
electromagnetism
BrainPOP teacher resource – Electromagnets
SPT teacher resource – Electromagnetism
Portland Community College teacher
resource – Electromagnet lesson
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Motors and electromagnetism
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
GCSE teacher activities
Practical electrical and
electronic circuits
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving voltage, current and
resistance
Examine circuit diagrams of hairdryer
wiring or car heater wiring for different
heat settings.
Measurement of current and
voltage using appropriate
meters in series or parallel
circuits.
Examine circuit diagrams for vehicle
electrical systems such as wiring of
ignition and other switches and bulbs
and heaters.
Knowledge of the circuit
symbol, function and
application of standard
electrical and electronic
components including cell,
battery, lamp, switch, resistor,
variable resistor, voltmeter,
ammeter, LED, motor,
microphone, loudspeaker,
solar cell, fuse, relay, LDR.
Identification of analogue and
digital input and output
devices.
Investigate the use of sensors and logic Parallel circuit rules
gates in home security systems or
environmental and biological monitoring
𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2
systems.
𝑉𝑠 = 𝑉1 = 𝑉2
Investigate the replacement of
series/parallel switching in car electrics
1
1
1
=
+
+⋯
by And/Or logic gates.
𝑅𝑇 𝑅1 𝑅2
𝑉 = 𝐼𝑅
Twig video – Resistance
Series circuit rules
𝐼𝑠 = 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = ⋯
𝑉𝑠 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + ⋯
The Physics Classroom learner resource –
Ohm’s law
Nuffield Foundation activity – Ohm’s law
and resistance
PhET simulation – Ohm’s law
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving the total resistance of
resistors in series circuits.
Use of AND/OR/NOT logic
gates in electronic circuits.
Research typical values of current and
voltage in electricity distribution
systems.
Investigate factors affecting resistance.
Research the values of resistance of
electrical supply cables and flexes for
high current appliances.
sparkfun learner resource – Voltage,
current, resistance, and Ohm's law
Twig video – Circuits
KScience learner resource – Electrical
symbols
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Electricity
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Episode 114: components in series and
parallel
The Physics Classroom learner resource –
Series Circuits
Wisc.online learner resource – Current in a
series circuit
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
BBC Bitesize learner resource – Voltage
across components in a series circuit
STEM Central teacher resource – Circuits
learning journey
PhET simulation – Circuit construction kit
(DC only)
Nuffield Foundation activity – Simple electric
circuits
Electronics Tutorials learner resource –
Resistors in series
Nuffield Foundation activity – Resistance
effects
schoolphysics learner resource – Logic
gates
YouTube video – Basic logic gates:
explained!
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Gas laws and the kinetic
model
Knowledge of the kinetic model Observe a demonstration of the kinetic
of a gas.
model using kinetic theory apparatus.
Qualitative knowledge of the
effects of varying
Research the values of tyre pressures
pressure, volume or
at different temperatures.
temperature on a fixed mass of
an ideal gas.
Research the use of gas tanks in scuba
diving.
Awareness of applications of
the kinetic model of a gas
Research ‘free diving’ and consider the
using knowledge of pressure,
volume of air in free diver’s lung.
volume and temperature (for a
fixed mass of an ideal gas).
Research weather balloons.
Calculate the difference in pressure
inside and outside a pressurised
aircraft cabin, and the forces acting on
the fuselage of the aircraft.
Research into the heating and cooling
of gases.
Twig video – Gas laws
IoP activity – Teaching physics in remote
places
KScience animation – Pressure
Twig video – Pressure and surface area
KScience animation – Convection
BBC Bitesize video – The relationship
between heat, volume and temperature
BBC Bitesize video – Transfer of kinetic
energy to heat energy
Nuffield Foundation activity – Molecules in
motion
YouTube video – Hot air balloon demo
Twig video – Cloud in a bottle experiment
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Waves and Radiation
Mandatory course key
areas
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1FikQeU
Suggested learning activities
Exemplification of key areas
NQ Course Materials teacher resource –
Waves and radiation teacher and pupil
notes
Wave characteristics
Comparison of longitudinal
and transverse waves.
Watch a video analysis of ‘slinky’ waves to
determine characteristics.
Definition of frequency as
the number of waves per
second.
Watch computer simulations to determine
characteristics.
𝑓=
Measure the speed, wavelength and
frequency of water waves moving along
rainwater gutters or ripple tanks filled to
different depths.
𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve
problems involving
frequency, number of waves
and time.
Use frequency meters to measure
frequency.
Identification of wavelength
and amplitude of transverse
waves.
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve
problems involving wave
speed, frequency and
wavelength.
Useful resources
𝑁
𝑡
NQ Course Materials teacher resource –
Waves and radiation equipment list
The Physics Classroom teacher resource
– Describing waves: the complete toolkit
YouTube video – Slinky waves
YouTube video – Transverse and
longitudinal waves in physics
The Physics Classroom simulation – Slinky
lab
Nuffield Foundation activity – Variety of
waves
𝑑 =⊽𝑡
CK-12 learner resource – Waves study
guide
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Waves
YouTube video – Wave machine
demonstration
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
TedEd learner resource – Making waves:
The power of concentration gradients Sasha Wright
CK-12 learner resource – Types of waves
The Physics Classroom learner resource –
The wave equation
BBC Bitesize video – Can sound break
glass if the right frequency and amplitude
are used?
BBC Bitesize video – How frequency and
amplitude affect pitch and loudness
respectively
BBC Bitesize video – The rate of vibration
or frequency
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Sound
Analysis of sound wave
forms including changing
amplitude and frequency.
Knowledge of methods of
measurement of the speed
of sound in air.
Knowledge of sound level
measurement, including
decibel scale.
Awareness of noise
pollution and risks to human
hearing.
Observe oscilloscope patterns.
Investigate voice recognition software.
Measure the speed of sound in solids,
liquids and gases.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
equipment list
Measure typical sound levels in a building.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal learner
resource – Sound literacy game
Research the effects of exposure to
different sound levels and the dangers of
prolonged exposure to high sound levels.
Twig video – Sound
Twig video – Experiments
Investigate the absorption of sound by
different materials.
Knowledge of methods of
protecting hearing.
Research the technology used in modern
hearing aids.
Awareness of noise
cancellation as a means of
reducing the risk of damage
to hearing.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
teacher and pupil notes
Research the use of noise-cancelling
headphones and noise-cancellation
technology in Humvees and helicopters.
Research practical uses of sonar, for
example measuring the depth of water and
finding shoals of fish.
Research into the use of ultrasound in
medical scanning, and in ranging devices.
National STEM Centre activity –
SimSound
National STEM Centre teacher
resource – Visualising sounds with
animation
The Physics Classroom simulation –
Simple wave simulator
BBC Bitesize video – The relationship
between amplitude and loudness
National STEM Centre video – KS3
physics: sound
BBC Bitesize video – How does sound
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Awareness of
applications of sonar and
ultrasound.
Awareness of sound
reproduction
technologies.
Experiment with the production of notes in
a variety of musical instruments.
Explore technology used to record and
enhance sound.
travel through a liquid?
BBC Bitesize video – How does sound
travel through a solid?
BBC Bitesize video – How does sound
travel through air?
National STEM Centre teacher
resource – Noise monitoring
CK-12 learner resource – Sound waves
TedEd learner resource – The sonic
boom problem - Katerina Kaouri
BBC Bitesize video – Reverberation of
sound
BBC Bitesize video – The relationship
between vibrations and sound
BBC Bitesize video – Vibrations and
sound waves
SSERC teacher resource – Audacity
resources [SSERC]
SSERC teacher resource – Audacity
study of sound
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
SSERC teacher resource – Audacity
further experiments
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Knowledge of applications
Research parts of the EM spectrum
and hazards associated with including: Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet
electromagnetic radiations. radiation, visible light, Infrared radiation,
Microwaves, Radio waves.
Applications in industry or leisure.
Typical jobs which would use the radiation.
Knowledge of approaches
to minimising risks
associated with
electromagnetic radiations.
Description of how invisible
parts of the EM spectrum
can be detected.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
equipment list
Possible hazards of the radiation.
Safety precautions to be taken with the
radiation.
For example, sunglasses to protect from
UV and
IR.
Study.com learner resource –
Electromagnetic waves: definition,
sources & properties
Detection of EM radiation:
Twig video – EM spectrum
devices (eg ovens, TVs, mobile phones,
tablet computers and Wi-Fi hubs
m a remote control
handset on an oscilloscope using
phototransistor, IR sensitive sheets or
similar
spectral analysis plot on digital camera
display or photo editing software
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NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
teacher and pupil notes
National STEM Centre teacher
resource – Invisible wavelengths
YouTube video – The electromagnetic
spectrum song
TeacherTube video – The
electromagnetic spectrum
CK-12 learner resource –
Electromagnetic waves
NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Light — application of lenses to correct
long and short sight
Description of refraction in
terms of change of direction
(where angle of incidence is
greater than 0˚).
Study.com learner resource – The 7
major regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal activity
– X-ray activity
TedEd learner resource – Light waves,
visible and invisible: Lucianne
Walkowicz
BBC Bitesize video – Electromagnetic
spectrum classroom resources
Brightstorm learner resource –
Electromagnetic spectrum
The Physics Classroom learner
resource – The angle of refraction
The Physics Classroom learner
resource – Refraction and sight
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal learner
resource – The telescope (refraction and
lenses) learner notes
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – The telescope
(refraction and lenses) staff guide
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Nuclear radiation
Knowledge of natural and
artificial sources of nuclear
radiation and associated
medical and industrial
applications.
Consideration of the pros
and cons of generating
electricity using nuclear
fuel.
Comparison of risk due to
nuclear radiation with risk
due to other environmental
hazards (eg global
warming) and the
management of these
risks.
Discuss the arrangement of
neutrons, protons and electrons in
an atom.
Research into sources and effects
of nuclear radiation including natural
sources (eg radon) man-made
sources (eg plutonium), their effects
on living things (eg leukaemia) and
their effects on non-living things
(scintillation, sparks between high
voltages).
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
teacher and pupil notes
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal
teacher resource – Waves and radiation
equipment list
BBC Bitesize activity – Atoms and
atomic structure activity
Twig video – Radioactivity
YouTube video – Effects of nuclear
radiation on the human body
Curiosity video – How much radiation is
harmful?
Cyberphysics learner resource –
Science in the news: nuclear radiation
Cyberphysics teacher resource –
Radioactivity index
National STEM Centre teacher
resource – GCSE teacher activities
IoP teacher resource – Teaching
radioactivity
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Dynamics and Space
Unit specification: http://bit.ly/1MVF4S4
Mandatory course key areas
Suggested learning activities
Speed and acceleration
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving speed, distance, and
time.
Measure the average speed of
trolley moving down a slope or
along a level bench.
Determination of average and
instantaneous speed.
Interpretation of speed-time
graphs to describe motion
including calculation of distance
(for objects which are speeding
up, slowing down, stationary and
moving with constant speed.)
Motion in one direction only.
Exemplification of key areas
𝑑 =⊽ 𝑡
Use light gates/motion sensors to
measure speed.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Physics support materials National 4/National 5
Produce speed time graphs using
motion sensors and appropriate
computer software.
BBC Bitesize video – How to calculate
average speed
Draw a speed time graph of a car’s
journey by measuring speed at
different times from video of
speedometer during journey.
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving acceleration, change in
speed and time.
Determine the acceleration of
sports cars, theme park rides and
space vehicles from research data.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space teacher
and pupil notes
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space equipment
list
Measure the acceleration of a
vehicle using two light gates and a
stopwatch.
Discuss how light gates could be
used in sports (timing races,
measuring instantaneous and
average speed).
Useful resources
BBC Bitesize video – How to calculate the
speed of a car
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Speed pairs
PhET simulation – The moving man
𝑎=
Δ𝑣
t
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal activity –
Speed time graph activity
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal learner
resource – Speed time graph
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
APS Physics teacher resource – Viewpoint:
making a supersonic jet in your kitchen
The Bloodhound Project teacher resource –
Bloodhound education and engagement
National STEM Centre video – The
Bloodhound SSC project
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Investigating motion
The Physics Classroom teacher resource –
Position-velocity-acceleration - complete
toolkit
Nuffield Foundation activity – Distinguishing
between velocity and acceleration
National STEM Centre video – Secondary
science using ICT: investigating
acceleration using light gates
Nuffield Foundation activity – Finding
average acceleration with a ticker-timer
Nuffield Foundation activity – Investigating
motion on a sloping surface
Nuffield Foundation activity – Measurement
of acceleration using light gates
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Relationship between forces,
motion and energy
Use of Newton’s first law and
balanced forces to explain
constant speed for a moving
object, making reference to
frictional forces.
Use of Newton’s second law to
explain the movement of objects
in situations involving constant
acceleration.
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving force, mass and
acceleration in situations where
only one force is acting.
Use of an appropriate
relationship to solve problems
involving weight, mass and
gravitational field strength.
Knowledge of the risks and
benefits associated with space
exploration including the
challenges of re-entry to a
planet’s atmosphere and the use
of thermal protection systems to
protect spacecraft on re-entry.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal learner
resource – The physics of flight learner
notes
Measure the forces needed to
change the shape of an object, and
the speed and direction of the
motion of an object.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – The physics of flight staff guide
Use an office fan to move lowfriction trolley with a ‘sail’.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space teacher
and pupil notes
Use an office fan to change
direction of light ball thrown into the
air.
Experiment with placing different
weights onto all ball of plasticine
and compare the changes in its
shape.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space equipment
list
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Physics support materials National 4/National 5
Investigate the relationship
between mass and weight using a
Newton balance.
Use sandpaper or a rubber to
demonstrate that friction converts
movement energy to heat. Relate
this to a spacecraft moving at high
speed through the atmosphere of a
planet during re-entry.
Investigate the thermal conductivity
of different materials.
Physics Central activity – Balloon
acceleration in a car
𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎
BBC Bitesize video – Forces, motions and
energy classroom resources
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔
The Physics Classroom simulation –
Newton’s laws
Backstage Science video – Feather in
vacuum
Exploratorium activity – Paper airplanes
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Crash investigators
National STEM Centre video – Kung Fu
physics
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Dodging bullets
Nuffield Foundation activity – Investigating
Newton's second law of motion
Nuffield Foundation activity –
Compensating for friction
Nuffield Foundation activity – Friction,
turning and other effects
Nuffield Foundation activity – Feeling a
force of 10 N
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Space:uk - winter 2011, issue 33
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Satellites
Knowledge of the range of
heights and functions of satellites
in orbit around the earth,
including geostationary and
natural satellites.
Knowledge of the qualitative
relationship between the altitude
of a satellite and its period.
Knowledge of the use of
parabolic reflectors to send and
receive signals.
Use of the relationship between
distance, speed and time applied
to satellite communication.
Awareness of a range of
applications of satellites including
telecommunications, weather
monitoring, their use in
environmental monitoring, and
developing our understanding of
the global impact of mankind’s
actions.
Investigate the relationship
between orbital height and period
by using computer simulations or
data from internet.
Investigate the uses of different
satellites related to the orbital
period or height and their potential
impact on society.
Investigate reflection from curved
reflectors with ray boxes or
microwave kit.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space teacher
and pupil notes
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space equipment
list
𝑑 =⊽ 𝑡
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Physics support materials National 4/National 5
BBC Bitesize video – Satellite motion
National STEM Centre video – Satellites
Research the use of solar furnaces
for heating water in developing
countries and the potential social
benefits.
Science Learning learner resource –
Satellites and orbits
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Which satellite am I?
Science Learning activity – Student activity
- Investigating satellite dishes
Science Learning activity – Student activity
- Satellite web hunt
SEGway teacher resource – The great
satellite search
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
The James Webb Space Telescope:
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
inspiration and context for physics and
chemistry teaching
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Structures 14 to 16
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Watching over the Earth
National STEM Centre video – A day in the
life of UK space scientists and engineers
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Sky’s the limit for UK satellite company
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Salters' science focus: teachers' guide 1
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Space:uk autumn 2009, issue 28
Multiverse teacher resource – The EUVE
orbit
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
Cosmology
Description of planet, moon, star,
solar systems, exo-planet, galaxy
and universe.
Awareness of the scale of the
solar system and universe
measured in light years.
Awareness of space exploration
and its impact on our
understanding of the universe
and planet Earth.
Consideration of the conditions
required for an exo-planet to
sustain life.
Research data for solar system
including mass, time to orbit the
Sun, surface temperature range,
number of moons, time for one
rotation, etc and present data
graphically or pictorially.
Research the nature and scale of
the universe (planet is part of a
solar system; solar system is part of
a galaxy) using computer
simulations or internet search.
Research data on galaxies, for
example the Whirlpool galaxy,
possible using support from the
Royal Observatory Edinburgh
Galaxies Project or Galaxy Zoo
software.
Investigate whether exo-planets
could support life, possibly using
support from the Royal Observatory
Edinburgh Exo-planets Project.
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space teacher
and pupil notes
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Dynamics and space equipment
list
NQ Course Materials Glow Portal teacher
resource – Physics support materials National 4/National 5
Multiverse activity – At home astronomy
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Resources for teaching astronomy in UK
schools
IoP video – Teaching astronomy and space
videos
HTwins.net simulation – The scale of the
Universe
IoP teacher resource – Creative physics
activities
IoP teacher resource – Exoplanet physics
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Exoplanets
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NATIONAL 4 PHYSICS RESOURCES GUIDE
National STEM Centre video – Exoplanets
TedEd learner resource – How to detect a
supernova - Samantha Kuula
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Galaxies and cosmology presentations
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
The transit method
National STEM Centre video – Eating,
sleeping, drinking and living in space
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Is there anyone out there?
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
The habitable zone
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Exoplanet atmospheres
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Radius and volume of exoplanets
National STEM Centre teacher resource –
Space:uk - March 2009, issue 27
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