The challenge was to design and make a model sledge that can be used on a steep slope, without gaining so much speed, that a nasty accident could happen.
Through taking part the entrants learnt about forces and friction and technology in the properties of materials used to make the sledge. The process also engaged participants in engineering though the creative problem solving and finally mathematics in hill gradients and calculating average speeds.
A team of STEM ambassador judged the designs with some of the feedback featured below.
- The Sledge where the Monkey was the passenger was highly effective, the runners were efficient and the use of materials that demonstrated cost-effective use of minimal cost construction.
- The inclusion of a feather tie for the penguin in the tin can sledge was a great design feature
- Red Sledges, the judges thought these designs showed effective use of paper as a material, the designs were good, and the use of curves was aerodynamically inspired.
- The entrants from secondary schools were more sophisticated. The lolly stick runners demonstrated some good STEM understanding and the sledges that used string for control was also an improvement on some of the models made by young pupils.
Rainham Girls School
Class 5 - St Thomas More School
Year 3 - Worth Valley Primary School
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