Resource list
This is a list of resources to help deliver our GCSE Engineering specification (8852).
Wherever possible the recommendations relate to currently available resources or those which have proved useful for courses with similar content.
Online resources
National STEM Learning Centre, York University – numerous resources including the legacy Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) materials.
112 circuits – from cat flaps to steep gradient sensors, these specialist circuit diagrams are downloadable in Word format.
Clip art library – over 350 illustrations from TEP textbooks, downloadable in JPEG format.
Smart materials – a number of short videos demonstrating the properties, and use, of a range of smart materials.
TEP publications – a large selection of photocopiable guides and activity ideas for use in the design and technology/engineering classroom.
Wind turbines – a GCSE engineering support project, including industrial case studies and class pack resources.
Manufacturing the future – national STEM Learning Centre holds the STEMNET resources. The posters can be used to help inform students about the cutting edge technologies and exciting careers available in UK manufacturing. Topics include:
- Astrium – space engineering
- True Snowboards – snowboard design and production
- Brompton – innovative bicycle design and engineering
- Fluvial – water defence design and manufacture
- Cambridge Silicon Radio – electronics and telecommunications.
BP educational service: careers support – From BP Educational Service (BPES), this collection provides insights into a wide range of career routes. The materials support the teaching of subject concepts, and also help young people to see how STEM subject knowledge contributes to achievement of technological and engineering goals in business and industry.
IET Faraday website – The Institution of Engineering and Technology hosts the IET's collection of online teaching resources. The curriculum-linked teaching materials include classroom activities, films of engineering case studies, engineering profiles and interactive games and quizzes. The IET Faraday website also has information on hosting IET Faraday challenge days and ordering careers information.
YouTube holds many case studies following the design and manufacture of engineered products. The examples given below are particularly useful, although there will be others.
- Thang010146 – CAD models of mechanisms
- Minds Eye Design – Inventions actual and possible
- TEN FOLD Engineering – folding mechanisms and structures
- Mechanical design101 – interesting engineering applications and models from around the world
- Skyline Tutorials – animations of mechanisms
- Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse
- MaterialsScience2000 – Tensile testing
Publications
These are not written for the current specification or approved by us.
AQA GCSE Engineering, Paul Anderson, Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-1408504123
GCSE Engineering, Steve Wallis and Neil Godfrey, Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0748785513
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Electronic Products, Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-1408504178
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Systems and Control Technology, Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-1408504185
Basic Engineering Mathematics, John Bird, Routledge ISBN 978-0-415-66278-9
Modular courses in Technology, Oliver and Boyd (out of print)
Energy Resources ISBN 0050033808 (out of print)
Mechanisms ISBN 0050033867 (out of print)
Structures ISBN 0050033891 (out of print)
Materials Technology ISBN 0050033956 (out of print)
Pneumatics ISBN 0050035355 (out of print)
Software
- Computer aided design (CAD)
- 3D solid modelling (Fusion 360: Autodesk, Solidworks: Dassault Systems, Solid Edge: Siemens)
- 2D drawing software (Cadlogic, Techsoft 2D)
- Control (Robot C, Flowol, PicAxe Editor/Logicator, Yenka PICs)
- Electronics circuit simulation and PCB design (Yenka, Circuit Wizard, DesignSpark PCB)
Competitions
Vex Robotics – Each year, an exciting engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year–round in a variety of matches.
F1 in schools – Multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered balsa wood F1 cars.
Landrover 4x4 in schools – The challenge involves between three and six team members working together to design and build a radio controlled four wheel drive (4x4) vehicle to set specifications. The vehicle must be able to successfully negotiate a specially designed test track emulating real life and it must perform as a full scale 4x4 vehicle would do in an off-road situation.
Formula Gravity – Totally green engineering project aimed to inspire students and teachers in the fields of engineering and motorsport.
Greenpower – The challenge is to design, build and race a single seat electric car. It uses the excitement of motor sport to inspire students from primary school through to university to excel in STEM studies. Four age appropriate formulas enable young people to enter races using either kit cars or scratch built cars allowing them an insight into key engineering design and build processes. The Corporate Challenge also allows blue chip companies to participate with apprentice and graduate teams, with some truly innovative cars taking part. A new AQA Greenpower Award has been established and certificates are available in two of the race categories for Design, Manufacture and Systems.
Organisations
Centre for Alternative Technology offer tuition sessions, workshops, guided tours and residential visits adaptable to specific subject needs.
Smallpeice Trust offer themed STEM days for schools, along with STEM teacher training and think kits.
Engineering UK organise The Big Bang Fair, Tomorrow’s Engineers, Energy Quest and Robotics Challenge.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance) is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for engineering skills for the future of the UK's most advanced sectors.
In school support
Funding support
The Arkwright engineering scholarshipis awarded to high-calibre 16 year old students through a rigorous selection process and supports them through the two years of their A-levels, Scottish Advanced Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Useful suppliers
Mindsets, formerly part of the Technology Enhancement Programme, specialise in smart and hard to obtain materials, electronics and control.