Three guided enquires inspire young people to ask, investigate and share scientific questions. The Great Quantum World resources were developed from partnership with the Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (NAME) EPSRC programme researchers and Artful Fox Creatives.
Each is linked to the story of Izzy Jones’s Quantum World, written by Jules Pottle and illustrated by Rufus Cooper.
Each enquiry provides teachers notes, a video and links to GSSfS resources guiding pupils to work scientifically.
Age: 5-7, 7-11, 11-14 years
Curriculum topics: working scientifically, disciplinary knowledge - variables
Listen to the story, Izzy Jones’s Quantum World, read by author Jules Pottle
Important: The back pages of the book provide key information for a young person working with their teacher. The following slides incorporate this information which will support you to really embrace the power of Izzy’s story. Download the slides and make the most of the book itself, with all of the most fabulous illustrations. You can get hold of the book here.
What conditions make the best spin for me?
Pupils develop early understandings about things that can be changed and measured - ‘variables.’ Just like Izzy, they get physically involved in spinning and experiencing how it feels when they change one condition (their shoes/socks) and then another. Pupils explore how different things they put on their feet changes the way they perform their spin.
Working scientifically: Pattern seeking
What affects a paper spinner’s fall?
Pupils investigate ways that they can control environmental variables and how this can affect the performance of paper spinners whilst also reinforcing their understanding of independent and dependent variables.
Working scientifically: Comparative and fair testing
What does data tell us about the impact of variables on an investigation?
Pupils investigate how environmental variables affect the performance of paper spinners. The analyse a range of data to draw conclusions, identify anomalous results and the impact of different variables.
Working scientifically: Pattern seeking
This GreatGuided Enquiry was funded by the EPSRC Programme Grant Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering (EP/V001914/1) and the Comino Foundation.
Jules Pottle and Rufus Cooper are inspirational science communicators, using story and art to bring science to life for so many young people. Winners of the Association for Science Education Book Prize 2019 and 2023. Read more stories like Izzy Jones’s Quantum World from Artful Fox Creatives.
Professor Richard Curry (Vice-Dean of Research and Innovation) explains the motivations and reasons for the co-creation of ‘Izzy Jones’s Quantum World.’
Now jump to other 2024 Great Guided Enquiries
