The Glider Challenge at the National Museum of Flight
Session aimed at P6/7 – S1/2
Starting 1.30pm Tuesday 15th December 2009
Meet in the National Sciences Glow Group
Joint Sciences/Technologies Event
Adam Love-Rodgers
Introduction
On December 17th 1903 the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered, controlled, heavier than air aeroplane flight, it took about 12 seconds and flew less than 40 meters. To celebrate the event the National Museum of Flight is working with Learning Teaching Scotland to create a Glow Meet setting your pupils a challenge similar to that faced by the Wright Brothers.
The Challenge
To build a glider that will carry 50grams of modelling clay to fly as far as possible.
The glider must be able to fit through a hole 300mm by 300mm.
The glider must not weigh more than 250grams including the modelling clay.
The meet will begin at 1.30pm with a member of the National Museum of Flight giving a short presentation explaining a bit about the museum of flight and what it offers and explaining the four forces of flight. The challenge will then begin and classes will have just over an hour to make their gliders (some classes may choose to keep working on the testing and adjusting process the next day. The class live at the meet will make their gliders and test them at the museum. Finally there will be a summing up session. During the meet classes will be able to post comments and questions and the discussion board will remain open till the end of the school term. Instructions about the challenge, equipment and risk assessment are available for teachers to download prior to the event.
from Wendy French
Development Officer, Learning and Teaching Scotland
