We set the seemingly impossible challenge of making strong cranes able to lift and lower weights while slewing round from one place to another, using apparently unsuitable materials, with too little time.

 

Using paper, tape, string and vacuum, the students design, develop and test their designs, pitting them against each other and the clock to find the winner.

 

The materials the students are given are limited, though they can ‘purchase’ more by using a ‘resources card’, forcing the students to take collective design decisions. This forms a key element of the project.

 

A swiveling base and a piston operated vacuum system are provided for each team.

 

The key learning intentions and engineering principles covered are:

 

 

A learning resources pack will be sent at the time of booking.

 

Recommended for Keystage 3 and 4. This project can be run as a full day session or two half day sessions involving twice the number of students.

 

The cost includes the attendance of 1WSC staff member with all the necessary tools and materials to undertake the project, though of course you can book as many WSC staff as your numbers require.
Below are recommended student numbers per staff member to maximise the experience, though it is possible to increase the student numbers and so reduce per head costs.

Team sizes : 4-6

Teams per WSC staff : 3-4 (maximum 7)

Price per WSC staff : £480