Teaching Resources

Supporting Physics Teaching (11-14)

Who is it for?

The Supporting Physics Teaching 11-14 initiative is intended to support non-specialist teachers who teach physics in the early years of secondary education. It is designed to help them to gain a better understanding of physics, to allow them to experience for themselves something of its fascination and to develop greater confidence in their teaching of it.

A demo version of SPT containing samples of materials drawn from two of the CDs: Light and Sound and Earth in Space is now available for download. Download SPT demo [ZIP 11.3 MB]

Who is producing it?

The Institute of Physics brought groups of science teachers together to develop the materials by drawing on their own experience and expertise. Each group was led by a university lecturer in physics education, experienced in training teachers. These materials have then been worked into an interactive resource with the help of Atticmedia, a multimedia company.

Will it help?

During the summer of 2004, a prototype CD based on electricity was produced and used in INSET sessions with trainee teachers and non-specialist teachers. The resource was independently evaluated; the comments below were collected during this process:

“Excellent range of strategies (…) new ideas I was not aware of. Good resources...” (Teacher)

“I think the CD will also help me supporting not only non-specialised teachers, but also younger teachers in my department.” (Teacher)

“Was very uncertain about electricity before and knew very little. Feel much more confident now.” (Trainee Teacher)

What is it?

The essential features of the package are a set of CDROMs, which can be used by training providers as a basis for in-service training programmes or by teachers as a stand-alone training resource.

Each CD balances the consolidation of existing good practice amongst physics teachers with the development of new teaching tools to enhance current provision. The CDs comprise three elements:

• The physics narrative, is a teacher focused section, bringing together the important aspects of the chosen topic in a coherent, comprehensive and engaging manner.
• Teaching and learning challenges for pupils make explicit what pupils find ‘easy’ or 'difficult', drawing on both research evidence and on the classroom wisdom of practicing teachers.
• Teaching approaches provide proven teaching ideas and strategies designed to present the topic in an interesting and engaging manner. The resources within this section will include some materials for direct use in teaching, such as practical activities, video clips and formative assessment materials. Such materials have been chosen to address the key teaching and learning challenges; there will be no attempt to produce a complete course.

Each CD will map on to a key physics topic to be found in the various science curricula or curriculum guidelines found in Great Britain and Ireland for the 11 to 14 age group. The topic areas to be covered are:

• Forces
• Energy
• Light and Sound
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Earth in Space

How do I use it?

An INSET programme is essential if teachers are to use the resource in the intended manner and gain maximum benefit from it. Such INSET will introduce the principles of and method of working with the CDs, so that teachers can then readily study other units working independently or within departments. Thus the materials developed will support departmental INSET provision within schools, and also university and other INSET providers.

INSET and Training

In England a number of the regional Science Learning Centres are running courses using the materials. We also hope that many of the Institute's Network Coordinators will be running sessions using SPT.

How much will it cost?

The Institute has invested £750,000 in the development of SPT. The Institute does not intend trying to recover the development costs but will be making a charge of £10 for the complete set of five CDs that will cover replication and distribution. Through a discount for bulk purchases, INSET providers will be encouraged to give the CDs away as part of the training package.

Where do I purchase a set?

The set of five CD-ROMs is available for purchase from the Institute of Physics for £10.
Those who wish to use the CD-ROMS as part of a training course can buy them in bulk (minimum order 20) at the discounted rate of £2 per set to distribute to participants.

To purchase the CDs, or for further details contact:
Clare Mills
e-mail: spt@iop.org
tel: 020 7470 4965

Payment can be made via cheque, credit card or invoices can be issued to schools

The Project Team

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