Explaining sine values

Using the @casio fx-50 to draw graphs of the trig functions and using the value on another graph so that the intersection can be found and then the value displayed. Better for understanding than using the CAST Diagram and the standard calculator

Adding water to Calcium Oxide

 After heating some Chalk for about 20 minutes, after it cooled, we added a little water to make Calcium Hydroxide. 

Inflating a Lambs Lung

 It is surprising how big a lambs lung is when inflated. Seeing a Lamb pluck the lungs look small but add air to them, and their full size can be seen. We also noticed the colour change when inflated.

Static Electricity

 Static Electricity - Like charges Repel and Unlike charges attract. It took a lot of practice to get this to work as the students didn't really charge up the rods enough. The Gold Leaf electroscope could be explained using these facts.

The length of the wire is proportional to this length

 Required practical: The length of the wire is proportional to this length. Needing to go back to paper to record the results rather than doing this electronically and plotting in excel to help the students with drawing their own graphs.

Log tables

As I go through A-Level Maths with students, one of the problems they have is with logs. They have never grown up without a calculator and need help understanding what logs and log tables are and how they work; worse, they don't really see a need for them.

Lesson Plan Garlic or Mint as antibiotics

Which is the most effective? Garlic or Mint at killing bacteria. After learning how to create bacterial cultures and then make the agar plates, it is time to put everything together to see if everything works.

Lesson Plan

Have students record their observations and measurements and then analyze and interpret the data to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of garlic and mint at killing bacteria.

Introduce the topic by discussing the importance of bacteria and the various ways in which it can affect human health. Explain that the investigation aims to compare the antibacterial properties of garlic and mint.

Have students research the history and uses of garlic and mint in traditional medicine. They can also research any scientific studies that have been done on the antibacterial properties of these plants.

In small groups, have students design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of garlic and mint at killing bacteria. Some possible methods for this could include:

Extracting the essential oils from garlic and mint and using them to treat bacterial cultures

Crushing garlic and mint and applying them directly to bacterial cultures

Making a garlic or mint tea and using it to treat bacterial cultures

Have the groups present their findings and results to the class and lead a discussion to review and evaluate the methods used and the conclusion drawn.nd mint at killing bacteria.

Have the groups present their findings and results to the class and lead a discussion to review and evaluate the methods used and the conclusion drawn.

Introduce the topic by discussing the importance of bacteria and the various ways in which they can affect human health. Explain that the investigation aims to compare the antibacterial properties of garlic and mint.