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!