Today the pupils from P6 and P7 had an excellent workshop on flight, given by Dr Beatriz Mayoral from QUB School of Engineering. Bea also works for Sentinus so we were very fortunate to have her visit our school.
Together the children explored the science of flight by designing and building their own rockets. Using a pump, they launched them into the air, discovering how jet propulsion and aerodynamics work: when air was forced out of the rocket with pressure, it created an opposite reaction that pushed the rocket upwards. They really were spectacular and launched high into the sky above our school.
Next the children created parachutes by constructing a light cardboard box structure, attaching strings to it, and using thin plastic for the canopy. A small hole was made in the centre of the plastic to let the air escape slowly, helping the parachute fall more steadily. This let us see how air resistance works to slow down a falling object.
Bea also gave every child a spiral spinner which they were able to make spin and fly through the air.
To finish the day P7 designed different shapes of paper airplanes. They threw them in the hall and measured the distance each of them flew, using a trundle wheel.
A huge amount of learning in science, technology, engineering and maths today… and it was such great fun!
Watch this space NASA … we could well have some scientists heading your way in the future!!
