Physics teacher Dan Hannard splits the lesson up into two stages. First the year 9's must work out the energy required to break the board, buy dropping 1kg masses onto the wood from increasing heights until it breaks. Secondly they must work out the kinetic energy of their punch, using a vertical ticker timer and tape to calculate the speed of their strike. They can then compare whether they could in theory break the wood! Dan, a physics teacher at Woodkirk High School, is a black belt in kung fu; but you don't need to be an expert to carry out the lesson. Although some parts of the lesson are very noisy, as long as all the right precautions are taken it's a safe and enjoyable lesson!

Video Series: Great Lesson Ideas
Release Date 2010