This is the last week of STEM before the holidays. All the groups are mainly continuing with last weeks instructions.

The Energy group have constructed a crank with K’nex. They plugged in a solar cell into a battery in the K’nex model and they put a lamp over the cell. The crank started spinning and the little man model started turning the crank. However, Robbie pointed out that the dust storms on Mars meant that it would be impractical to use solar energy, because the storms would blot out what little sun the planet’s surface receives. They also made a buggy that moves with solar power, using a solar panel and a lamp.

The engineering group is still trying to program the robot which means the robot can rebound off walls if the ground is flat and not sloping. The right wheel is dragging and the robot seems to move slightly to the right. The stabilizers have fallen off and there is a communication problem. However, it is not all doom and gloom! The group have managed to increase the size and range of its sensors so that it can detect things easily.

Finally, the P7 Team continues to make up maths relay questions, while another branch of the team is planning out what equipment will be required for every activity.

More news will follow after the holidays – Happy Easter everyone!

Week 4 has been a quiet one.

We have constructed the profile for the newly formed P7 Team, which can be seen below:

P7 Team

Team Leader: Amy Walker

Co-ordinator: Annie Legg

Team Members: Leigh Lawson

This week the Engineering group started to program the robot Ken built. Their ultimate aim is to steer the robot around the classroom to find a pin. Currently, they are trying to program the robot to rebound off an object it may crash into. The Energy Group researched which energy would be best for powering an AAA battery; they were looking at solar energy. The P7 Team started writing questions for the maths relay they have created.

We also interviewed Miss Mortimer to look at how the project is progressing:

 What is the ultimate aim of the STEM club?

“The ultimate aim of the STEM club is to encourage and enthuse as many people as possible in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.”

How do you think each group is doing?

“They are doing very well; there is strong leadership and very good team players.”

What equipment have we got?

“Loads! We have been really lucky to get a grant of nearly £2000 pounds from the Royal Society. Lots of kit for testing renewable energies and all the equipment needed to build a scratch built rover.”

What will happen to STEM when we have built the Rover?

“Hopefully we will use our skills and equipment to start the project with a new group of S1s.”

When do you reckon our Rover will be finished?

“The rover might be finished by the summer term.” 

More to come soon!

The Energy Group has split into three sub-groups, each looking at different types of energy. Robbie and Bilal are investigating wind energy, and wind as a direct means of propulsion, whilst considering how windy it is on Mars. They are also testing the fuelling of a cell with hydro energy, generated by a turbine made by the mentors last week.

Jenny and Julia are comparing solar energy to hydro energy. However, due to a slight hitch (one of the renewable energy car’s wheels fell off), they were obliged to create something new. Instead, they began constructing a water turbine with one of the science kits. Justin, Alex and Euan are researching and studying the modern applications of solar energy.

The Engineering Group is studying codes and programming. They have put together cards with commands on them, like a jigsaw, to visualise what the final code might look like. They are also thinking about what commands might be needed for the robot.

The newest team (the P7 team) has begun planning out possible lessons for the P7 workshops, which will take place in September and October. The idea is that there will be four stations, one each for Maths, Science, Technology and Engineering. Next week, the group will concentrate on one of these and will plan resources and pupil instructions.