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Making Science Work in the Real World (Sec) 25/03

Join us for a mix of STEM demonstrations, interactive polls and inspiring career guidance from engineers, apprentices and even the Red Arrows!

Lesson Info

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Get ready for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes pass into the world of engineering! In this unmissable 45-minute live broadcast, we’re stepping out of the classroom and into the environments where the future is being built. Students will join Ryan on a high-energy journey, featuring exclusive footage of the Red Arrows and access to real-world engineering hubs. From the cockpit to the laboratory, we’ll witness mind-bending science in action. Featuring interviews with the trailblazing engineers who keep the UK’s most advanced tech in the skies and on the waves, this session offers a rare glimpse into the careers of tomorrow. It’s science, but not as you know it - it’s the "Material World," and it’s time to see how you could engineer the future. Haven’t watched the performance yet? View it here!

Curriculum Focus

  • Chemistry: Students explore the structure of ceramics, polymers, and composites. They apply the particle model to states of matter and investigate chemical changes like synthesis and polymerisation.
  • Physics: The focus shifts to forces, pressure, and viscosity—specifically Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Students also examine the elastic and viscoelastic properties of materials.
  • Design & Technology: Learners investigate functional properties and sustainable materials through prototyping and design.

    Career Education standard
    (Scotland: S1-S3 Focus):

  • Developing skills for learning, life and work
  • Developing knowledge and understanding of the world of work


    Gatsby Benchmarks
    (England & Wales: Secondary focus):

  • Benchmark 2 (LMI - Information)
  • Benchmark 4 (Curriculum links)
  • Learning Objectives

    • Explore how advanced materials are engineered to solve real-world challenges, from shear-thickening fluids to super-hydrophobic coatings.
    • Understand the critical role of composite materials in increasing structural strength and preventing fracture in extreme environments.
    • Engage with interactive demonstrations that bring the particulate nature of matter and molecular surface energy to life.
    • Understand the specific skills, academic subjects and vocational pathways, including apprenticeships, that lead to pioneering careers in the STEM sector.
    • Explore the diverse engineering roles within BAE Systems, the Royal Navy and the RAF.

    Lesson Outline

    Join Ryan from School of Wonders as he finally puts in an appearance! He more than makes up for missing the school performances and you’ll love the array of follow up science experiments he demonstrates. On top of that, there will be some inspiring interviews with young engineers from BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy – rumour has it that the Red Arrows may even make an appearance.. While this may be a follow up to the popular live performance of Material World: Engineering the Future, it will be perfectly accessible for newcomers to the series.

    Don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media using the hashtag #STEMLive and remember to tag @STEMLiveLessons so we can share them!

    Interact

    You can help your pupils engage and interact with leading STEM experts, by using our live app, Slido!

    Either use the Slido window to the right of the stream, or if you prefer, scan the QR code and access Slido on your phone or tablet - enabling you to watch the Live Lesson in full screen.

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    Resources

    Our curriculum-aligned Live Lessons come with resource activities for you and your pupils to carry out before and after the lesson.

    Simply click on the download button, and you can explore the range of resources available to you and your pupils.

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