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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

New demo for showing how barium works well as a contrast agent in x-ray imaging using low energy gamma rays from Americium in place of x-rays: youtu.be/bIkgGMPTKrw #ITeachPhysics

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Demonstrating why barium is used as a contrast agent for medical X-rays

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

First physics video of the academic year. Using a infrared / thermal imaging camera to simulate x-ray image formation: youtu.be/KkS-JUrdfDQ #ITeachPhysics

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Simulated X-ray imaging demonstration

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

I made use of the hot sunny weather to make this video yesterday. What Herschel might have done with thermochromic paper youtu.be/M7nqcpd7x-A #ITeachPhysics

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What Herschel might have done with thermochromic paper

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Just shared my latest Creative Commons set of ideas for teaching physics via my website: www.teachphysics.org/home/atomic-... Nearly 200 ideas. Thanks to @ogdentrust.bsky.social for their support. Thanks to all those whose ideas are inlcuded. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

Image of title slide of set of ideas for teaching Atomic and Nuclear Physics

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I noticed quite a few hits to my website www.teachphysics.org from the US which I now think is probably because it was featured in the websights section of the April issue of AAPT The Physics Teacher. I was wondering if someone who gets it could send me a photo of it. Thanks S. #ITeachPhysics

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

On a school trip to the zoo today and was pleased that I managed to get a nice photo of the structural colour of the morpho butterfly. #SciTeachUK #ITeachPhysics

Blue morpho butterfly with wings open showing the blue colour.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Latest idea for using a Radiacode (Ad). A gamma camera. #ITeachphysics Demonstrating the idea of gamma camera imaging youtu.be/PyGlHtvihXA

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Demonstrating the idea of gamma camera imaging

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

As tungsten halogen lamps give out some UV I wondered if I could use a vintage Rank Aldis Tutor 2 slide projector to show UV beyond the visible light in a spectrum #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK Two simple ways to reveal the UV beyond the violet end of the visible light specturm youtu.be/8lr-LA-0xzc

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Two simple ways to reveal the UV beyond the violet end of the visible light specturm

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

The breaking stress of a crunchie bar practical is a standard for my physics lessons during the materials topic so I made this video describing it. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK youtu.be/Kr6YKfMN1f0

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Measuring the breaking stress of a crunchie bar

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Making good use of the Radiacode 110 which they kindly sent me for using in my YouTube videos I made this video about radioactive things you can buy relatively cheaply. I hope you like it. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK youtu.be/gdcyphtu26k

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How much radioactive stuff can I buy for £50?

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Radiacode kindly agreed to send me one of their gamma ray detectors (the Radiacode 110) so that I could see how it might be used in physics teaching. Here is the first video making a gamma ray spectrum from the school cobalt 60 source #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK youtu.be/DRDnrSdAKTs

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Surely you can't make a gamma spectrum of cobalt-60 in a school

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

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

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From absorption spectrum to emission spectrum in one beautiful physics demonstration

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

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

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Stretchy cloth model of electric fields

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Used my ‘new’ 1960’s slide projector to make the best projected spectrum I have managed. I hope my students appreciated it. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

Large visible light spectrum on lab wall about 2m long and half a metre high.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

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

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30 physics demonstrations that look like magic

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

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

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A real resistor cube - does theory agree with reality?

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

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

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A working interferometer built from Lego

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

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.

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The £100 gamble to show electron diffraction

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

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...

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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

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Set up the pearls in the air demo today for projectile motion: #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

water droplet projected horizontally take with strobe to show the horizontal displacement constant but vertical displacement increasing.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

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

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Measuring the resistance of a person

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

@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.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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

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Using the flame probe to its full potential

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

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

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Measuring the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor by discharging it through an oscilloscope

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

It was good to get A-level students doing some calculations with the shuttling ball demo yesterday: #SciTeachUK #ITeachPhysics youtu.be/usP5YtWQh6c

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Calculations with the shuttling ball demonstration

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

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

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Paper indicator to show the direction of a uniform electric field

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Added another nice rainbow photo to my collection yesterday when the low evening sun combined with a sudden rain shower. #ITeachPhysics

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

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

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

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-...

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

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

Photo of reflection in River Avon early this morning.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

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

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Investigating if potential is proportional to 1/r around a plasma globe

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

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.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

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

Green plastic with recessed areas with dark grey appearance with bits of rusty metal inside them. About 4 inches long.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Inspired by a video made by James Lincoln about electric fields I have been exploring using copper mesh, a fun fly stick and threads to show electric fields ready for teaching in September. Photo attached and link to video if you are interested youtu.be/lD3V6-2WTAw #IteachPhysics #SciTeachUK

Threads standing up around a copper mesh cylinder but not inside showing the electric field after charging with a fun fly stick.

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

I struggle to get good results from our gas discharge tubes, EHT I tried the Arbor Scientific of using a plasma globe instead which works very well as you can see in the photo. Full details in the video: youtu.be/AjuKXOFSdjY #IteachPhysics #SciTeachUK

$Photo of neon discharge tube through 1000 lines per mm diffraction grating showing the spectral lines.$

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

A great thank you present from some of my A-level students. As it doesn’t have a case you can see how it works: Floating magnet platform explained youtu.be/vmkKEfvzeFI #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

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Floating magnet platform explained

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

This is probably my favourite idea on slide 140 from the waves collection of physics teaching ideas (see quoted post). Using a cheap remote controlled LED light to see the appearance change under red and green light. Students have to explain it. #SciTeachUK #ITeachPhysics

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 15/06/2025

Magnetic field chips are a beautiful way to show magnetic fields in 3D and much less unpleasant than iron filings. You can buy them ready made or cut up freezer bag twist ties (suggested by @cleapss.bsky.social) or plastic covered garden wire. youtu.be/pPDsVYkGyM8 #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

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Revealing magnetic fields in 3D

YouTube video by Physics with Simon Poliakoff

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Apparently it is green turtle day which reminded me of my favourite wildlife encounter- independent snorkelling in Cyprus with my family and seeing these beautiful creatures last October.

Green turtle near dusk with colours shown by low sun about a metre below the surface.

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Reposted by Simon Poliakoff

Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

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...

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

If the waves set of teaching ideas makes you want more of the same then a reminder that this is the forces and motion set that I shared in January. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Here is the collection of over 250 ideas for teaching the waves topic from KS3 to A-Level. Follow the link to access them all: www.teachphysics.org/home/waves-i... Thanks to all who contributed and especially @ogdentrust.bsky.social for funding my time to make it. #ITeachPhysics #SciTeachUK

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Simon Poliakoff @simonpoliakoff.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Lawn looking nice for not having been mowed.

Blue and white hair bell flowers in tall unmowed grass

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