A new module for the OCR STEM project

A new module for the OCR STEM project 12 February 2016

Our STEM Portal provides exciting challenges for students from year 9 and above. Our project packs take a range of topics and set collaborative and independent tasks developing skills and knowledge across the STEM spectrum.

Now released: Module 6 – Waves

Waves come in many forms. There are mechanical waves, such as water waves, sound waves and earthquake waves. There are also electromagnetic waves, such as radio, microwaves, infra-red, visible light, ultra-violet, X-rays and gamma rays.

All waves have properties in common. Our new STEM Project module introduces students to the different types of waves and their uses in STEM. This module covers a component of the Physics of the GCSE Science specification and enables students to get involved in practical science.

Students get to use Oscilloscopes, but don’t worry if your school doesn’t have one, there is one on-line you can use here. The activity will task students to make a microphone, watch a visual demonstration of sound waves and learn for themselves how a rainbow is formed.

An experiment using a mobile phone and a microwave, gets them thinking about safe storage of mobile phones. Using body temperature strips, they learn about IR waves and they try and produce a similar X-ray diffraction pattern to that produced by Rosalind Franklin.

The module finishes with questions on medical applications of waves.

Alongside delivering the project teachers will have direct access to all the teaching resources and links to tried and tested web sites.

Coming next - Module 7: the Bloodhound Supersonic car activity!

Our projects are delivered through our online platform which allows you to complete and track your work from school or from home. Schools wishing to use the resources will need to register with us to set up teachers and students.