Receptors under our skin send signals to our brains about the world around us. Engineers are borrowing this idea from the human body to create a ‘smart skin’ for aircraft. Through this resource students will learn about motes, the tiny sensors at the heart of this innovation, and how science and mathematics are central to this technology.
Time to think: working in groups, students should discuss:
What information they think the motes on the surface of aircraft would collect.
What they think would need to happen to the information captured by the motes.
If they can think of any other uses for a network of motes.
Activity: after learning about how data is transmitted using wireless networks such as motes, students will undertake an activity whereby they will design a mote network for an aircraft wing in order for engineers to collect data about the temperature of the whole surface of an aircraft wing. Full details of the scenario are given in the resource.
Resources
Creating captivating cornflour invites pupils to discover the properties of this curious material in a fun, but often messy activity.
Engineering enables: running blades explores the forces in moving systems and materials, in the context of designing a prosthetic limb
The right switch: discover Quantum Tunnelling Composite and technical textiles. As we invest in more mobile technology, we run the risk of bulging pockets and heavy handbags. This activity looks at finding a solution to this problem.
Moving house: investigating earthquakes and building materials. Did you know that buildings move? What happens to buildings in an earthquake or strong wind?
How is food packaged? Introducing thermochromatic paints and their application.
Smart muscle
Introducing ideas about keeping materials and tools cool in space.
As we try to use more renewable sources of energy and reduce our use of fossil fuels, it is important to ensure that electricity gets to us in an easy but efficient way
Cycling grows in importance as we look towards sustainable transport to save energy.
Milking it: Many products bought today are made from or contain plastic. How is it made, and what applications does it have?
Explore the role of STEM in how we hear sounds, record and play back music
This resource is designed to help students learn about the STEM involved in designing and making their own hovercraft.
Making waves explores how engineers have applied their knowledge of waves to make life better.
This equation impacts our lives in many areas, from computing to the shape of a football.
A STEM learning and teaching resource that shows how engineers have applied their knowledge to improve the security of the internet.
Explore a variety of magical maths activities, from multiplication tips to card tricks.
Are we connected? is a STEM teaching and learning resource that explores engineering through the technology we communicate and connect with.
Light Saver is a STEM resource that explores new technology developed by scientists and engineers that uses the properties of light to help save lives.
Power Up! looks at different types of energy, energy in engineering, the importance of electricity and how it is generated. It investigates different types of renewable energy sources through a number of hands-on practical activities.
Design our trophy