Journalist

Freelance Science Writer Helen Carmichael talks about writing on a range of topics and for different audiences.

To link with this we have developed a lesson plan where students investigate filament light bulbs and write a magazine article to explain why they ‘blow’ when they are turned on rather than when they are already on.

A downloadable version of the video, lesson plan and student practical activity sheet are available below.

Curriculum links for the lesson are as follows:

2008 Key Stage 3 Programme of Study:

Range and Content: 3.1a, 3.1c

Attainment Targets: AT1, AT3, AT4

Key Concepts: 1.1a, 1.1b, 1.2a

Key Processes: 2.1a, 2.1c, 2.2a, 2.3

Curriculum Opportunities: 4a, c, h

Scottish 5-14 Science Curriculum:

E&F1 – Properties and uses of energy

E&F2 – Conversion and transfer of energy

Attainment Targets:

Knowledge and Understanding

Level B

Describte the energy conversions in the components of an electrical circuit

Level C

Construct simple battery-operated circuits, identifying the main components

Level D

Construct a series circuit following diagrams using conventional symbols

Level E

Use the terms ‘voltage’, ‘current’ and ‘resistance’ in the context of simple circuits

Investigating Skills

Level C

Select and use appropriate measurement devices

Level D

Make an appropriate series of accurate measurements

Make an organised report of an investigation

Draw conclusions consistent with findings.