Tuesday, 21 March 2023

How useful is the CG50 Geometry


 Just how useful is the Geometry App in the CG50? It seems to be quite good for GCSE Maths but I am not really sure it is worth the effort for A-Level Maths. Sure it can do some clever things, but the interface is hard to use so no marks here.

Monday, 20 March 2023

Learning to test Chemicals


 One of my favourites - identifying the unknown chemical. First flame tests, then chemical tests to determine the unknown. The Silver Nitrate test came out particularly well. I sometimes can't tell the Bromide from the Iodide, but in this case, I could.

Sunday, 19 March 2023

Input / Output devices


Input / Output devices - easy in A-level computer science until questions like this come along, then it gets more fun. What specialized input and output devices are used in fields such as medicine and engineering?

 

Using a spectroscope to look at Helium

Using a @pascoscientific spectroscope to look at the discharge of Helium. After using a hand held spectroscope I now know what the students are looking at. #ScienceTeacher #Spectroscopy #STEMEducation



 

Friday, 17 March 2023

The velocity of a wave

#FunFact: You can determine the velocity of a wave in 2 ways! Use your phone's SloMo to measure distance and time OR use the wavelength and frequency relationship. Bonus: compare circular and straight wave speeds! #Physics #WaveVelocity

  1. To determine the velocity of a wave, you can use the slow-motion (SloMo) feature on your phone's camera to measure the time it takes for a wave to travel a known distance. By dividing the distance traveled by the time it took to travel, you can calculate the velocity of the wave.

  2. Another way to determine the velocity of a wave is to use the relationship between its wavelength and frequency. The velocity of a wave is equal to the product of its wavelength and frequency. By measuring the wavelength and frequency of a wave, you can calculate its velocity. Additionally, you can compare the velocities of circular and straight waves to determine any differences in their speeds.



 

Thursday, 16 March 2023

Blood Tests


Blood types matter! 🔬🩸 Students use the Carolina Pack to determine their blood type - A, B, AB, or O - and whether they're Rhesus positive. It's all about antigen tests with fake blood. #science #education #biology

Blood Types: Understanding the Basics

Blood is a vital component of our bodies, carrying oxygen and nutrients to all of our organs and tissues. But did you know that not all blood is the same? Blood types play an important role in transfusions, organ donations, and even in our health. This article will explore the basics of blood types and what they mean.

The ABO Blood Group System

The ABO blood group system is the most well-known and widely used blood typing system. It classifies blood into four types: A, B, AB, and O. These classifications are based on the presence or absence of antigens on the surface of red blood cells.

Type A blood has the A antigen on its surface, while type B blood has the B antigen. Type AB blood has both A and B antigens, and type O blood has neither A nor B antigens. The presence or absence of these antigens determines which blood types can be safely transfused.

For example, type A blood can be safely transfused to individuals with type A or AB blood, but not to those with type B or O blood. Similarly, type B blood can be safely transfused to individuals with type B or AB blood, but not to those with type A or O blood. Type AB blood can be safely transfused to individuals with any blood type, while type O blood can only be safely transfused to individuals with type O blood.

The Rh Factor

Another important component of blood typing is the Rh factor. This refers to the presence or absence of a particular antigen, the D antigen, on the surface of red blood cells. If you have the D antigen, you are Rh-positive. If you don't have the D antigen, you are Rh-negative.

The Rh factor is particularly important for pregnant women. If a woman who is Rh-negative becomes pregnant with a Rh-positive baby, there is a risk that her body will produce antibodies against the Rh antigen. This can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn, a condition in which the baby's red blood cells are destroyed by the mother's antibodies. To prevent this, Rh-negative women are given a medication called Rh immune globulin during pregnancy.

Determining Your Blood Type

Blood typing is usually done through a simple blood test. A small amount of blood is collected and mixed with antibodies that react with specific antigens. Based on the reactions, the blood type is determined.

In some cases, blood typing may be done using a kit like the Carolina Pack, which uses fake blood to simulate blood typing. This can be a useful tool for educational purposes or for individuals who may not have access to a laboratory for blood testing.

Conclusion

Blood types play an important role in our health and medical care. Understanding your blood type can help you make informed decisions about blood transfusions, organ donations, and other medical procedures. If you don't know your blood type, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Maths worked examples.


Why do math examples for students leave out crucial steps? It's helpful to show how to solve problems when students get stuck, but omitting important stages leaves them still stuck. #matheducation #learningmath #teachingmath

Doppler Rocket

Demonstrating the Doppler effect with the @pascoscientific Doppler Rocket: As the rocket moves away, students can hear the pitch drop (red s...