STEM 2nd session 24th Nov.08

Here are some pictures of our second session - totally out of order but a record of what we tried nonetheless.

5th session making Mr. Geekie's hovercraft

One or two problems to overcome - well done everyone. Do not forget to add the bag next session.
I will need someone to help upload images soon - see me for instruction.

BGS Stem Club

The BGS STEMsters wish everyone season's greetings.

Tuesday 16th December 2008

Well I cannot believe we are here already. When I was planning our timetable it seemed a long way off ... but here we are.

Tonight, Monday 15th I stayed back .. and with help from Jack ( actually Jack did most of the work ) we made the vacuum formed hovercraft bodies.

This hovercraft was originally designed as a walk along working model. We had two long leads to the motor and held the battery ( 6v ) in our hands. We will try to get it to work with a 3 volt battery pack which will be carried on the hovercraft. This battery pack has a switch fitted which is very convenient for us.

Anyway we will see how it goes. We must be prepared to adjust the balance of the hovercraft - it will nee to be wel balanced to run smoothly.
As an extension we will try to think how we can steer the hovercraft.

Gyroscopic precession - this is a weird effect which might be tricky - do not try to understand this - but in future years I will explain it to you ... hopefully.

4th session - making the hovercraft kit 2 of 2

Not the easiest kit to assemble and get to work - so well done everyone. Lots of minor problems to overcome here but we all did so very well.

Hello STEMsters - next session

We will try to get the hovercraft kits running this lesson. You can take them home after the session.
I have been developing a model which we can all build for another hovercraft. Hopefully we will finish this before Christmas.

For after Christmas
We briefly mentioned Fibonacci ( one of Technologies and Mathematics ... and of course Sciences' favourite people ) We will look at Fibonacci in some detail l8r.
Perhaps you can find out more about Fibonacci?
The number sequence is pretty straighforward and is easy to work out.
However, can you research more?
Deeper questions like,
When did he live?
How old was he when he died?
How tall was he,
and did he have any brothers or sisters.
Did he have any pets?

3rd session 2nd December 08

After experimenting with balloons and CD's the students address a kit hovercraft. It is a simple but tricky to make design. Later we will make one I have designed.

Fibonacci tree - fun with mathematics

Here is a simple little project to create a Fibonacci tree from drinking straws.

Thanks for cake disposal 2nd meeting report

Hello everyone,
On Monday evening we examined how to stabilise the balloon and stop it falling over. I loved the way students used drinking straws. These were the bendy type and were attached to the cd's with blutak? The results were colourful and mostly effective with 5 to 6 metres being achieved. Well done to the student who also tried making a paper tube support.
Next session I want to give a short input regarding some mathematics. This will be followed by building a hovercraft kit. I have bought enough batteries for everyone.

Hopefully the following session will feature vacuum forming and more hovercraft making.

STEM calendar

Available here - may change as circumstances dictate.

STEM cake

At our next meeting can someone remind me that we need to dispose of our birthday cake.

First STEM meeting

Stem Calendar

Stem Calendar

Sept 29^th Sheffield Hallam – STEM induction Mr. Geekie and Mr Goodwin

Memo feedback to GT CRG GH PL JSG LH

Stem planning meetings 16^th October JG JSG LH info to GH GT CRG attended by JG JSG LH

Minutes to circulate

Stem Planning meeting post half term 4^th November ( Wednesday )
Aim to start 3rd week back see here
http://www.beverleygrammarschool.co.uk/bgsindex.htm