Measuring the Thrust of a Balloon Powered Car
This activity from BLOODHOUND SSC illustrates the forces acting on BLOODHOUND SSC by calculating the thrust of a balloon powered car. The resource explores thrust as a concept, tying in with Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students: • Build a balloon car • Conduct speed-time experiments using the balloon car •…
Investigating Motion
In this resource, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students answer sets of questions about acceleration, velocity and motion in relation to BLOODHOUND SSC. They also investigate 'g force' and how free falling or lack of gravity affects acceleration. The students then go on to investigate the physiological effects of motion, what happens…
Speed of Sound
In this experiment, from BLOODHOUND SSC, students discover how easy it is to measure the speed of sound and increase their knowledge of acoustics, using microphones and free audio software (Audacity). The experiment takes into account differing temperatures, pressures and humidities. This resource includes a short history of…
Static Testing of a Model Rocket
This investigation, from BLOODHOUND SSC, uses a datalogger and force sensor to measure the thrust of a model rocket engine. The results can be analysed to predict the acceleration and speed of a model vehicle. The resource includes detailed instructions on how to conduct the experiment, including health and safety equipment and considerations.
Centre of Gravity
These resources are investigations into balance from BLOODHOUND SSC. They see how changing the position of the centre of gravity affects a body's stability. The enquiry focuses on the 'topple bottle'. If a bottle is tilted it will topple when the centre of gravity is displaced outside where the bottle is in contact…
Investigating the Hardness of Materials
In this activity from BLOODHOUND SSC, students explore ways in which to measure the hardness of surfaces. In doing so they develop their investigative and measurement skills, as well as numeracy. Students are encouraged to consider what hardness is, what effects the hardness of a surface can have on objects moving across it and compare…
Investigating the Hardness of Materials
This activity, from BLOODHOUND SCC, allows students to explore ways to measure the hardness of surfaces. It can lead on to further discussion such as considering the influence of surfaces in sports like tennis, rugby and netball. The activity is useful for developing investigative and measurement skills and representing data graphically…
Balloon Powered Car
An interactive activity from BLOODHOUND SCC in which students build their own balloon-powered car and then explore ways to make it go faster and further. Building a balloon-powered rocket car provides opportunities for investigation, team work and developing design skills. As well as focusing on science and technology, the activity…
4/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Experiment