Year 7 Wider Curriculum

“I enjoyed learning about the science behind making our cars as fast as possible”

On 26th June 2023 Year 7 students engaged in a Wider Curriculum Day on solving a STEM Challenge. The challenge was ‘Race to the line’, created by The Learning Partnership (https://www.thelearningpartnership.com/ model-rocket-car-challenge).

Students worked in teams all morning, using their Mathematics, Design & Technology and Science skills to create the best shape for their Rocket Car. They needed to understand which elements they could control (mass, friction, aerodynamics) to maximise the acceleration of their rocket cars. Students were given a kit to build their car and could design the shape and look of their car. Students were in their Houses so were given House points based on team work, design of their logo, design of their car and overall performance of the car in the race.

We were very impressed with their application of knowledge and creativity. Students were given different positions within their team which ensured they understood how best to work together and gave students different opportunities to use their leadership skills. Students were also given the opportunity to use a virtual wind tunnel to experiment with the affect of different shaped cars on the drag and speed of their car.

The day started by talking through possible careers in STEM including a video talk from an engineer who works for Formula 1. Students were extremely positive about the day and we hope to run this again next year.

“I had fun making the rocket car with my friends and it was funny watching Mr Slade fail to launch some of the cars.” - Ella