4.Main Content
about the site
About the site
Our aims
We describe tried and tested physics experiments, in sufficient detail that they will work in any school laboratory. We provide notes about teaching and learning, and a few web-links. The site is particularly useful for teachers and technicians who wish to develop their practical craft in physics.
Work on the site started in 2004 and experiments are being added to the site gradually.
Who we are
This is a joint project of the Nuffield Curriculum Centre and The Institute of Physics.
The Nuffield Curriculum Centre explores new approaches to teaching and learning by developing, managing and supporting curriculum projects. Increasingly its projects are run in partnership with others.
The Institute of Physics is a leading international professional body and learned society, established to promote the advancement and dissemination of physics. Education is a key priority in its work.
Brenda Jennison, formerly at the Education Department, University of Cambridge, had the vision that led to this project and the determination that made it happen. R. J. J. Orton, formerly at the CLEAPSS School Science Service, provided safety advice for the first three years of the project.
Safety advice is now provided by Ralph Whitcher, B Ed (Hons)., C. Ed., DipSM, RPA 2000. Ralph is Health and Safety Manager of a County Council and Chairman of the ASE Safeguards in Science Committee. Formerly he was an advisory teacher for science.
The editing team currently consists of Brenda Jennison, Laurie Mansfield, David Sang and Charles Tracy, coordinated by Peter Campbell and Steve Steward. Previous contributors to the site include David Brodie, James De Winter and Tim Hickson.
• If you have any comments or queries, please send them to Steve Steward at the Nuffield Curriculum Centre.
• Read teachers’ reviews of the website, received since its launch in January 2004.
• In early summer 2007, we conducted a user survey. View a copy of the survey results.
• The Practical Physics website has been reviewed by Teachers' TV. To see the review, click here.
Updated 20 May 2008
End of Section Back to top