Goodbye

Okay tonight was the end of our 3 year STEM club. I was hoping the kites I bought everyone would have been easier to fly. Remember what I say about kites - the ones you make yourselves are usually better fliers and also more satisfying to make.

I will value the support, enthusiasm and generally exploring the many areas we have covered over the years. I have always enjoyed the club and to all who have attended and helped - thankyou. You have made my last 3 years in teaching very enjoyable and at times have even helped me remember some of the reasons I became a teacher.

To all the STEMSTERS out there, keep experimenting, asking why, listening, being diligent and optimistic. You are our future. Good luck to you all - please thank your parents for all their support and encouragement - even teachers like to hear it.

Mr. Geekie
Teacher ( retired )
PS check out my ART blog.

Flying kites - even with poor wind

First of all well done everyone on making your kites. The sleds in particular suffered with the lack of wind and even the deltas struggled. However this is one of the trials of flying kits - we need some wind. Next week I will be away and so I will see you all the week after. I will make some MALAY kites and show you how to fly them.

Best wishes,
Mr Geekie

KITES and more ... KITES

Great night preparing kites for flying next week.
Year 7 students with the help of Mr.Goodwin made SLED kites and will test these next week.
Year 9 with Mr. Geekie made some DELTA kites to fly next week.

Kite making is all about symmetry and balance - hopefully we will all see some great flying next week.
Health and safety is important when flying kites, in particular no flying when skies are overcast or indeed raining as there is a possibility of static electricity causing severe injury. Mr Geekie will repeat this and other safety issues before flying.

PS If you are reading this - try to bring along a can pull ring - will be used to help attach kite to flying line.
Remember the Japanese saying " You make a kite - you have friend for life "

Sorry I missed last session

Hello everyone, to year 7 students - I will be at school next week
( Tuesday 21st June )
and the intention is to look into kites. We will make a simple SLED KITE first. This will lead onto making a great DELTA kite, the following week.
Year 9 students are welcome to help out.
( I am struggling to source wheels for our downhill cart )

Mr. Geekie

Summer term 2011

Hello everyone,
I have mentioned that, although taking early retirement, I have been asked to continue the club into the Summer term. I am delighted to be able to do so and will continue the second week back after Easter. I will be looking at one day a week so year 7 and year 9 will need to combine. The night will be Tuesdays.
Looking forward to seeing Y9 complete their trebuchet and for year 7 we will be starting a new programme.

Regards and best wishes

Mr. Geekie

HOVERCRAFT mixture of designs

Here are some students ( STEM Club ) making hovercraft.
From early development work we have improved the designs
to reflect some ingenious thinking.

ROBOT MOUSE

TWO STEM STUDENTS BEGINNING TO ASSEMBLE A ROBOT MOUSE.
CHECK BACK SOON TO SEE IF
THEY COMPLETED IT.