The Race Is On!

Our Year 2 theme on 'How We Organise Ourselves' led to a discussion that 'People and Places Connect.' This was the basis for launching our transport inquiry. The focus was on how transport impacts on our daily lives and the boys inquired into how different modes of transportation serve many purposes in our worldwide communities. A visit to M.O.T.A.T to discover and investigate the past and present modes of transport supported the boys' learning.

As an 'action' to our inquiry, the boys were excited to take on the task of designing a gravity-powered vehicle from a plastic bottle and other recycled material that, through trial and error, would 'beat the competition.' The aim was to design a vehicle would gather speed and distance down a ramp ... and yet be aesthetically pleasing! The boys were extremely motivated and worked diligently on constructing their models, taking many opportunities to trial and test their vehicles on the ramp. It was back to the drawing board for most, to make further adaptations to enhance their motion. There was much earnest discussion about 'wheel alignment' and 'balance!'

Finally race day arrived...the anticipation had built and the boys were eager to start as racing began in earnest. The boys were most particular about how they placed their car at the top of the ramp before letting gravity take over. There was great excitement with the Year 2 boys cheering and encouraging their classmates as their vehicles set off downwards. Unfortunately some vehicles lost wheels, stalled, crashed and flipped off the ramp, but most were successful in getting from point A to B!

Johnny Ormond's car came first having travelled 18.6 metres with Riley Longwill in 2nd on 17.5 metres and Frankie Fitness in 3rd place with 15.4 metres. Hamish Hunter and Theo Colyer were acknowledged for the 'Most Creative' designs.

This technology task was a valuable learning experience as the boys came to learn the value of design followed by modification to improve design and a final reflection to evaluate what had worked well and what could be further improved next time!