Project gives kids a real lift
TEENAGERS put their technology skills to the test when they attempted to build their own space-age hovercrafts and innovative model towns.
Electric motors, paper straws and sticky-backed plastic were the only tools the pupils from Cathedral School had to use in order to impress the judges.
The first task in the annual two-day long enterprise year 8 pupils were given 8m of fake money and just five hours to plan, design and create their version of the perfect town.
They rose to the challenge creating intricate suspension bridges, fully functioning cable cars and parks with movable swings.
Enid Dalby, enterprise co-ordinator, said: “Each team were set five challenges. Firstly, they had to build an environment, complete with flats, houses, parks or whatever else they liked.
“Secondly, they had to build a bridge to their town. The third challenge was to build a mode of transport. Fourthly, they had to come up with a symbol or a flag that could represent their town.
“And finally, they had create an item of clothing that would people would recognise as belonging to their town.”
The next challenge at the Thornes Road school was a race to build the best
hovercraft.
Science teacher Glyn Griffiths said: “The teams had to use everyday materials like paper, plastic, polystyrene and wood. To build their hovercrafts, however, they were given a garden motor to be attached at the back to help generate lift and allow the machine to move.”
“Although the team that won the competition did not have the fastest machine, they showed outstanding teamwork and design flair. The day was extremely demanding for some of the children but everyone rose to the challenge and did a fantastic job.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 0 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
