Y3/4 have enjoye
d making their own aircraft this week in our Science Week investigation entitled ‘Journeys’.
The children were in groups of 3 and each group had to follow instructions to make their own glider, aircraft and helicopter. They were able to then amend their designs using their knowledge of thrust, weight, lift and drag.
When the time came for the craft to be tested, the groups took their items proudly into the hall to test which ones stayed up in the air for the longest. Different ways of measuring and comparing were discussed and how, as the helicopter flew vertically, this presented a challenge to our recording. Variables, such as starting from the same point, were also involved.
The children were able to talk about new designs of aircraft that could possibly stay in the air for even longer and offer suggestions for future scientists!
Children from all Y3/4 classes were able to compare their results. No doubt, these budding engineers with ever-advancing ideas will feature in future technology!
Having a class named after Amelia Earhart meant that they had to include some aeronautical science this week. I have no doubt that children in Beatrix Potter Class and Nick Parks classes will also remember her name and some of the factors that make a good investigation into flight.
Who knows one day we – if they ‘Aim High…’ they may want to challenge themselves in the way Amelia did or help us find new things out about the way things work or design new efficient planes when they are older. The skies the limit. Ideas start somewhere.