An observer is on top of a lighthouse. How far from the foot of the lighthouse is the horizon that the observer can see?
PhysNRICH is the area of the StemNRICH site devoted to the mathematics underlying the study of physics
Can you suggest a curve to fit some experimental data? Can you work out where the data might have come from?
Many physical constants are only known to a certain accuracy. Explore the numerical error bounds in the mass of water and its constituents.
Get some practice using big and small numbers in chemistry.
chemNRICH is the area of the stemNRICH site devoted to the mathematics underlying the study of chemistry, designed to help develop the mathematics required to get the most from your study. . . .
Work out the numerical values for these physical quantities.
PhysNRICH is the area of the StemNRICH site devoted to the mathematics underlying the study of physics
Make your own pinhole camera for safe observation of the sun, and find out how it works.
When you change the units, do the numbers get bigger or smaller?
Which units would you choose best to fit these situations?
Estimate these curious quantities sufficiently accurately that you can rank them in order of size
Is it really greener to go on the bus, or to buy local?
Examine these estimates. Do they sound about right?
Make an accurate diagram of the solar system and explore the concept of a grand conjunction.
Use trigonometry to determine whether solar eclipses on earth can be perfect.
Explore the relationship between resistance and temperature
In which Olympic event does a human travel fastest? Decide which events to include in your Alternative Record Book.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to race against Usain Bolt?
To investigate the relationship between the distance the ruler drops and the time taken, we need to do some mathematical modelling...
Work with numbers big and small to estimate and calculate various quantities in physical contexts.
Use your skill and knowledge to place various scientific lengths in order of size. Can you judge the length of objects with sizes ranging from 1 Angstrom to 1 million km with no wrong attempts?
How does the time of dawn and dusk vary? What about the Moon, how does that change from night to night? Is the Sun always the same? Gather data to help you explore these questions.
Investigate how avalanches occur and how they can be controlled
Many natural systems appear to be in equilibrium until suddenly a critical point is reached, setting up a mudslide or an avalanche or an earthquake. In this project, students will use a simple. . . .
Is there a temperature at which Celsius and Fahrenheit readings are the same?
Which dilutions can you make using only 10ml pipettes?
The image in this problem is part of a piece of equipment found in the playground of a school. How would you describe it to someone over the phone?
This problem offers you two ways to test reactions - use them to investigate your ideas about speeds of reaction.
Explore the distribution of molecular masses for various hydrocarbons
We need computer programmers! Logo is a great entry-level programming language - and you can create stunning graphics while you learn.
Investigate the molecular masses in this sequence of molecules and deduce which molecule has been analysed in the mass spectrometer.
Design and test a paper helicopter. What is the best design?