Practical physics teaching ideas, resources and CPD to help teachers make physics clearer, more engaging and more accessible for every learner.

Physics makes more sense when pupils can see where it fits in real life. Before starting with definitions or equations, begin with something familiar: a bike, phone, football, kettle, car, rocket, rollercoaster or games console.

Instead of saying, “Today we are learning about energy transfers,” ask, “Why does a kettle heat water so quickly?” Instead of starting with resultant forces, ask, “Why does a rollercoaster speed up downhill?”

The real-life example should lead quickly into the physics. A phone can introduce circuits, waves, batteries, light and sound. A football can introduce forces, speed, momentum and energy. A car can introduce braking distance, friction and safety.

When pupils see that physics explains the things they already use and enjoy, the lesson feels more relevant. It becomes less like abstract theory and more like understanding the world around them.

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