MATHEMATICS OF WAVES AND MATERIALS
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Learning Resources and Activities: Secondary

Learning Resources Home
Find learning resources and fun things to do for Key Stages 3 to 5 (Ages 11-18) 

All activities undertaken must be risk assessed.  Guidance can be found on the CLEAPSS website.
The Science of Musical Instruments
A steel hex nut and a glass marble
Key Stages 3 & 4 (CfE 3rd/4th & snr 4)

Curriculum links: Waves and Sound

Use everyday objects to learn about pitch and amplitude and how they are adapted in musical instruments.  These fun activities are suitable for class or STEM club.
The Anatomy of a Wave
A surfer in a wave
Key Stages  4  (CfE Senior 4 & 5)

Curriculum links: Waves and Sound
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Find out about the types of waves and their properties.  Then download the worksheets to practise the key vocabulary.
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The Science of Balloons: Part 1
A schematic line drawing representing cross-linked polymer chains being stretched
Key Stages  4 & 5 (CfE Senior 5 & 6) 

Curriculum links: Material Properties, Forces, Polymers

In Part 1 we examine the famous Two Balloon experiment and find out why inflating a balloon is not always easy.
The Science of Balloons: Part 2
A set of superimposed graphs of pressure vs time.
Key Stages  4 & 5 CfE (Senior 5 & 6)

Curriculum links: Material Properties, Forces, Polymers

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In Part 2 we examine viscoelastic behaviour, how it relates to balloons, and why we research it.
Resonance & Standing Waves
A composite image of six photographs of square black chladni plates with patterned sand.
Key Stages 4 & 5 (CfE Senior 5 & 6)

Curriculum links: Waves and Sound

Find out about resonance and standing waves and try out some experiments that explore them. 
Draw Curves with Straight Lines
Three multicoloured curved shapes drawn from straight lines connecting points on a circle
Key Stages 2 to 4 (CfE 2nd +)

Curriculum links: Mathematics: multiplication, number and place value, geometry, working mathematically

Use mathematical mapping to create beautiful curved shapes.
Picture
Slinky Science! 
Try our fun investigations for KS3, with videos and experiment booklet
Curriculum links: Working Scientifically, Motion and Forces, Waves and Sound, Energy in Matter
Picture
Curriculum links: Material Properties, Forces, Polymers, Modern and Smart Materials
Resonant Rings
Learn about resonance using paper & cardboard.
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Learn more
Slow Waves
Watch waves in slow motion with this kitchen experiment.
Learn more
Unmixing
How is it possible to undo the mixing of fluids?
Learn more
Floating Slinky
What happens when you drop a suspended slinky? ​
Learn more
Sci-Fi Slinky Sounds
Make sci-fi sound effects with a slinky and a flowerpot!
Learn more
Meet a Mathematician!
Photograph of PhD student
Key Stage 4 and 5 (CfE Senior 5 & 6)

Meet our PhD students and find out about their research.
Our Research Explained
Line drawing of a person surrounded by honking geese
Key Stage 4 and 5 (CfE Senior 5 & 6)

Learn about our research with these short  illustrated videos.
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