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Wickham's Science Challenge Wickham Primary School has invited us to participate in an Interschool Science Challenge this term. We have to build cars out of recycled materials that can roll down a ramp. The car that rolls the furthest will go into the big race-off against other schools at Karratha Centro early in June. We have started collecting materials but while they are being accumulated, we have built models out of construction sets and observed how they ran down a ramp and beyond.
Models that are complicated and look fantastic don't necessarily run the best. Big is not always better. Our model's wheelbase must be no longer than an A3 sheet of paper.
It seems that the bigger the wheels the better and and it also helps enormously if they run straight. Freedom of movement is essential! It will be very important what we choose for our wheels and axles. These were the best movers using construction materials.
Please check back here to see how we're getting on with our recycled vehicles. DAY 2 Well, we launched into our vehicles with great enthusiasm and endeavour. Everyone had made their choice of material for wheels and axles and eagerly poured through the assembled 'jumble' for their chassis. Mrs Gray, Mrs Cooling and Mr Mitchell were on hand for drilling, cutting, hot glueing and assorted other duties. Here's a few of the crew hard at work:
We've still got a long way to go and can't wait for next week to get on with them! Two Weeks Later: "The Big Test" We tested our vehicles down a ramp in the Art Room, which has a nice, shiny lino surface for the cars to roll on. The ramp was 2.4 cm long and several vehicles went the length of the room so we had to move outside in the wind to make a final judgement.
AND THE RESULTS WERE:
GOOD LUCK IN THE FINALS AT KARRATHA CENTRO GUYS! (Click here for photos of all vehicles)
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