The spring edition of Futureminds has articles from a range of contributors, with advice about writing assessments, the history of the 555 timer chip, how to use exercise books in D&T, Scalextric4Schools, The Design Ventura challenge, news from the Food Teachers Centre and a guide to LEV testing, plus the usual smallprint, and look out for something a bit different on the last page...

This guide identifies the areas that should be considered prior to embarking on practical work in a general teaching room, rather than a workshop, food room or art studio.

It is often necessary to have access to the underside of vehicles or all-round assemblies such as engines, gear-boxes, etc. All of these are heavy so hoists, jacks, cranes and lifts are needed.

This is a document which describes some of the strategies and practices that can be used in short stay schools, to enable practical work.