Science KS3

In lessons one and two, explore force, area and pressure using cranes on a proposed Thames Tideway Tunnel construction site, and the turning moment created when a force acts about a pivot, using the forces that come from the crane's load and the counterweight.

In lessons three and four explore the way sound behaves underwater and how hydrophones are used to survey harbour porpoise populations in the tidal River Thames. Then plan a new marine survey using sound scientific principles to collect reliable, repeatable data.

Lesson five is an environmental science lesson where students explore different habitats on the River Thames and work with food webs, classification, adaptation and interdependence through flora and fauna found there.

For lessons one and two Dig Deeper ideas explore the pressure and forces in a simple hydraulic system and the turning moments on the Tunnel Boring Machine's rotating cutter head.

In lessons three and four students can explore sound behaviour in more depth and expand their knowledge of surveying techniques to explore other areas or plan surveys for different flora and fauna.

For lesson five students set up a regular soil or bird survey, repeating the survey seasonally to measure changes in species. They record and present their data using different techniques e.g. tally charts or bar charts.

Research project: 
Students can investigate how the weather and our water use are changing in London and how they create the need for an upgrade to London's sewer system. Investigative project: create two maps of your school grounds and buildings in as much detail as you can, using GPS for one map and a trundle wheel and compass for the other.

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