Simon Poliakoff
@simonpoliakoff.bsky.social
Physics Teacher who loves demonstrations and practicals. Makes YouTube videos and free creative commons lesson resources.
Website: www.teachphysics.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SimonPoliakoff
Website: www.teachphysics.org
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SimonPoliakoff
Pinned
I made this google slides of nearly 100 ideas for teaching magnetism and electromagnetism in the Summer term with help from @hookean.bsky.social If you haven’t seen it then it is worth a look: www.teachphysics.org/home/magneti...
Inspired by @harvard.edu natural sciences lecture demonstrations video which shows a projected absorption spectrum of sodium I created this version with an extension to then project the emission spectrum. I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/Gz--LUuYvSg
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/Gz--LUuYvSg
From absorption spectrum to emission spectrum in one beautiful physics demonstration
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Inspired by @harvard.edu natural sciences lecture demonstrations video which shows a projected absorption spectrum of sodium I created this version with an extension to then project the emission spectrum. I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/Gz--LUuYvSg
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/Gz--LUuYvSg
This video is about how to use 4 way stretch cloth to model electric fields. It is based on an activity in the @perimeterinstitute.ca resources for teaching fields available from here: resources.perimeterinstitute.ca/products/fie... if you make a free account.
youtu.be/ea6RB8nb6iU
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/ea6RB8nb6iU
#ITeachPhysics
Stretchy cloth model of electric fields
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
January 6, 2026 at 9:10 PM
This video is about how to use 4 way stretch cloth to model electric fields. It is based on an activity in the @perimeterinstitute.ca resources for teaching fields available from here: resources.perimeterinstitute.ca/products/fie... if you make a free account.
youtu.be/ea6RB8nb6iU
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/ea6RB8nb6iU
#ITeachPhysics
Simple investigation of a a parallel plate capacitor using a multimeter, Aluminium foil and printer paper:
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/vhlyCSOw5f4
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/vhlyCSOw5f4
Investigating a parallel plate capacitor with aluminium foil and printer paper
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 7:25 AM
Simple investigation of a a parallel plate capacitor using a multimeter, Aluminium foil and printer paper:
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/vhlyCSOw5f4
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/vhlyCSOw5f4
Used my ‘new’ 1960’s slide projector to make the best projected spectrum I have managed. I hope my students appreciated it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
December 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Used my ‘new’ 1960’s slide projector to make the best projected spectrum I have managed. I hope my students appreciated it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
I made this compilation of some of my favourite demonstration videos from the last couple of years Which almost look like magic (to me at least).
I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/jQKr1ZrQSjc
I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/jQKr1ZrQSjc
30 physics demonstrations that look like magic
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
December 7, 2025 at 3:20 PM
I made this compilation of some of my favourite demonstration videos from the last couple of years Which almost look like magic (to me at least).
I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/jQKr1ZrQSjc
I hope you like it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/jQKr1ZrQSjc
I built a resistor cube to test the theoretical answer to the interesting extension question and filmed it with an infrared camera to show the current symmetry which is my favourite way to solve it.
youtu.be/CQ5CAqUHHxc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/CQ5CAqUHHxc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
A real resistor cube - does theory agree with reality?
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 6:47 AM
I built a resistor cube to test the theoretical answer to the interesting extension question and filmed it with an infrared camera to show the current symmetry which is my favourite way to solve it.
youtu.be/CQ5CAqUHHxc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/CQ5CAqUHHxc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
I made this video about the Photon Bricks Lego interferometer which UK schools can loan for free and they have instructions if you want to build your own (quite costly). Link to their site: artlab-nottingham.com/lego/ My A-Level students enjoyed it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
A working interferometer built from Lego
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I made this video about the Photon Bricks Lego interferometer which UK schools can loan for free and they have instructions if you want to build your own (quite costly). Link to their site: artlab-nottingham.com/lego/ My A-Level students enjoyed it.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
I have made this video about electron diffraction which features what I think is a new demonstration which uses three crossed diffraction gratings, a violet laser and glow in the dark film to demonstrate and explain relatively simply why the electron diffraction produces rings at 3 mins 30.
The £100 gamble to show electron diffraction
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
I have made this video about electron diffraction which features what I think is a new demonstration which uses three crossed diffraction gratings, a violet laser and glow in the dark film to demonstrate and explain relatively simply why the electron diffraction produces rings at 3 mins 30.
There are some really good simulations and a simple video analysis tool on this site:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
mintapps.org/html/mint-in...
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
mintapps.org/html/mint-in...
Physik
Simulationen und Animationen zur Physik - von der Mechanik bis zu Quantenphysik
mintapps.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:13 AM
There are some really good simulations and a simple video analysis tool on this site:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
mintapps.org/html/mint-in...
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
mintapps.org/html/mint-in...
What will happen to the balance reading when I drop a magnet through the copper pipe which is supported on a clamp stand on the zeroed balance? A predict and explain demonstration with electromagnetic induction, terminal velocity & Newton 3
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtube.com/shorts/s0eOE...
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtube.com/shorts/s0eOE...
What happens to the balance reading if a magnet is dropped through a copper pipe on it? #physicsfun
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 11:15 AM
What will happen to the balance reading when I drop a magnet through the copper pipe which is supported on a clamp stand on the zeroed balance? A predict and explain demonstration with electromagnetic induction, terminal velocity & Newton 3
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtube.com/shorts/s0eOE...
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtube.com/shorts/s0eOE...
October 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Using a microammeter and low voltage power supply find the resistance of a person or even loop of people by measuring the potential difference across and current through them. It is a fun alternative to finding resistance of the usual components.
#ITeachPhyiscs
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/sDb9cUbs3gM
#ITeachPhyiscs
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/sDb9cUbs3gM
Measuring the resistance of a person
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Using a microammeter and low voltage power supply find the resistance of a person or even loop of people by measuring the potential difference across and current through them. It is a fun alternative to finding resistance of the usual components.
#ITeachPhyiscs
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/sDb9cUbs3gM
#ITeachPhyiscs
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/sDb9cUbs3gM
@lascells.bsky.social my monkey and hunter launcher was not hitting the switch when released earlier. The screw on the end of the spring bit seemed to not be pushing through. Any suggestions to fix? I have improvised a ripping Al foil method for my lesson tomorrow but hope to fix for next time.
October 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
@lascells.bsky.social my monkey and hunter launcher was not hitting the switch when released earlier. The screw on the end of the spring bit seemed to not be pushing through. Any suggestions to fix? I have improvised a ripping Al foil method for my lesson tomorrow but hope to fix for next time.
After 20 years of teaching I finally built a working flame probe for measuring electric potential and used it with my students earlier in the week. It really is good for bringing alive the electric fields topic. I made this video about it:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/f0YWO2PfBVU
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/f0YWO2PfBVU
Using the flame probe to its full potential
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM
After 20 years of teaching I finally built a working flame probe for measuring electric potential and used it with my students earlier in the week. It really is good for bringing alive the electric fields topic. I made this video about it:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/f0YWO2PfBVU
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/f0YWO2PfBVU
Did this in my A-level lesson today which I think was interesting for the students.
#IteachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope
youtu.be/-4JNebKmJEU
#IteachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope
youtu.be/-4JNebKmJEU
Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Did this in my A-level lesson today which I think was interesting for the students.
#IteachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope
youtu.be/-4JNebKmJEU
#IteachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope
youtu.be/-4JNebKmJEU
It was good to get A-level students doing some calculations with the shuttling ball demo yesterday:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/usP5YtWQh6c
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/usP5YtWQh6c
Calculations with the shuttling ball demonstration
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
September 16, 2025 at 7:01 PM
It was good to get A-level students doing some calculations with the shuttling ball demo yesterday:
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/usP5YtWQh6c
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
youtu.be/usP5YtWQh6c
Set up this old Nuffield demonstration for the first time yesterday afternoon ready for my first A-Level lesson of the electric fields topic on Monday. Simple but effective I think.
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field:
youtu.be/oAVDkdi7nb8
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field:
youtu.be/oAVDkdi7nb8
Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
September 13, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Set up this old Nuffield demonstration for the first time yesterday afternoon ready for my first A-Level lesson of the electric fields topic on Monday. Simple but effective I think.
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field:
youtu.be/oAVDkdi7nb8
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field:
youtu.be/oAVDkdi7nb8
Added another nice rainbow photo to my collection yesterday when the low evening sun combined with a sudden rain shower.
#ITeachPhysics
#ITeachPhysics
September 13, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Added another nice rainbow photo to my collection yesterday when the low evening sun combined with a sudden rain shower.
#ITeachPhysics
#ITeachPhysics
I was trying to have a break from thinking about physics teaching in the Azores but this beach got in the way:
youtu.be/lj-ZZTG0ddU
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/lj-ZZTG0ddU
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Giant natural ripple tank demonstrates wave diffraction on a beach
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
August 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I was trying to have a break from thinking about physics teaching in the Azores but this beach got in the way:
youtu.be/lj-ZZTG0ddU
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/lj-ZZTG0ddU
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Finished two days of loudspeaker making with year 8. Key to making them loud is to ensure the coil is securely attached to the cup so that the cup vibrates along with the coil.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
July 18, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Finished two days of loudspeaker making with year 8. Key to making them loud is to ensure the coil is securely attached to the cup so that the cup vibrates along with the coil.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Got the few students who were actually in my lesson this afternoon to test out the tumble buggies / constant velocity buggies ready for next year.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
One of the many activities in my forces and motion sets of ideas
www.teachphysics.org/home/forces-...
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
One of the many activities in my forces and motion sets of ideas
www.teachphysics.org/home/forces-...
July 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Got the few students who were actually in my lesson this afternoon to test out the tumble buggies / constant velocity buggies ready for next year.
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
One of the many activities in my forces and motion sets of ideas
www.teachphysics.org/home/forces-...
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
One of the many activities in my forces and motion sets of ideas
www.teachphysics.org/home/forces-...
Useful and inspiring day at the @ogdentrust.bsky.social senior teacher fellowship induction today in Stratford upon Avon. Found time for an early morning river walk. Looking forward to making more sets of physics teaching ideas next year.
#SciTeachUK
#SciTeachUK
July 1, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Useful and inspiring day at the @ogdentrust.bsky.social senior teacher fellowship induction today in Stratford upon Avon. Found time for an early morning river walk. Looking forward to making more sets of physics teaching ideas next year.
#SciTeachUK
#SciTeachUK
Inspired by Arbor Scientific’s 10 ideas with a plasma globe I set out to see if you could verify V is proportional to 1/r. After failing because I used a metal clamp stand it then worked perfectly. Full details of the setup at the end of the video:
youtu.be/crW7pMdZxUc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/crW7pMdZxUc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
Investigating if potential is proportional to 1/r around a plasma globe
YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff
youtu.be
June 29, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Inspired by Arbor Scientific’s 10 ideas with a plasma globe I set out to see if you could verify V is proportional to 1/r. After failing because I used a metal clamp stand it then worked perfectly. Full details of the setup at the end of the video:
youtu.be/crW7pMdZxUc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
youtu.be/crW7pMdZxUc
#ITeachPhysics
#SciTeachUK
The workshop includes lots of the ideas that I have developed as part of my @ogdentrust.bsky.social senior teacher fellowship in the last year.
Just finished planning my workshop of fun physics things for KS3/GCSE for the Bedford Festival of Science CPD event on 8th July. Booking link: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/secondary-...
It features this but do you know what it is?
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
It features this but do you know what it is?
#SciTeachUK
#ITeachPhysics
June 27, 2025 at 7:33 AM
The workshop includes lots of the ideas that I have developed as part of my @ogdentrust.bsky.social senior teacher fellowship in the last year.