Athlete or Machine?

Subject(s): Physics | Engineering | Age: 11-14 | Type: Activity sheet | Publication Year: 2010 to date

The Royal Academy of Engineering has developed a teaching and learning resource for Key Stage Three that combines design, technology, mathematics and science activities.

The resource allows students to investigate the question: Athlete or machine? Which is more important in the bob skeleton event? To answer the question, students must identify factors that influence the performance of the bob skeleton and investigate each one through practical, mathematical and scientific activities.

By encouraging STEM learning based on student-led investigation, problem solving and higher-order thinking, students will be able to provide their own enquiry-led, sophisticated and justified answer to a difficult real world question.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx6zc

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Files

PDF document, Category Three Materials

Athlete or machine?

Review

Great Activity

Posted by simmo1977 on 14th April 2012

Activity time: 2 hours

Level: 4 -6

Prior knowledge:…

Activity time: 2 hours

Level: 4 -6

Prior knowledge: Basic DT skills, understanding of forces and friction.

Subject: DT

Curriculum links: Resistant Materials

Skills: Pillar drill, teamwork, working to deadlines

Preparation time: 2 – 3 hours

Extra resources: Hand pump, 22 mm plastic pipe (1 m length), Timber or board (300 x 80 x 15), 22 mm Pipe clips, 2mm High impact polystyrene or thin plywood, 1.6 mm steel rod, A4 acetate sheet, rocket nose, Cable ties, Strong adhesive tape, hand or pillar drill, pliers, woodwork vice.

Commentary: Myself and others colleague ran this activity during National Science and Engineering week with approximately 60 year 9 learners. The session was only 2 hours long and therefore we focused on the DT ‘making’ aspect of this activity.
The activity was introduced by a presentation and short video about Amy Williams, Bob Skeleton Gold medallist at the last Winter Olympics. Pupils worked in pairs and were given about an hour to construct and improve their Bob Skeleton models in a DT workshop. We then tested all of the models in the corridor to see which ones travelled the furthest, with prizes awarded for those that performed best. A short discussion about why some designs worked better took place at the end of the session.
The pupils really enjoyed this activity and had great fun improving/testing their models. They learned about the importance of friction and accuracy when making as well as developing skills in team working and working to tight deadlines. I would highly recommend this activity and will definitely be doing it again in the future.