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 Extra Curricular: Technology College
Extra Curricular
The school held its second annual technology day in the summer term of 2007. This year the event was based around the theme of Space: -
In the mathematics department students created scale diagrams of the solar system. To do this they had to find the formula for the surface area of the solar system. They then used standard form to find a scale that made the planets big enough to see but not too big to create.
Pupils had to experiment using A-Level Maths concepts to reach an optimum solution. They enjoyed the challenge.
Students working in science became rocket scientists for the day. They designed, built and flew their own hydrogen rockets. The day was divided intyo two halves, in the morning pupils produced and tested for hydrogen and oxygen gas and designed and built their rockets. In the afternoon the rockets were flown and were scored on distance travelled, stability of flight and smoothness of landing. The five highest scoring rockets were launched in front of the whole year at the days finale.
Students working with Art and textiles teachers were designing and making t-shirts for their team. Each t-shirt had to use the same design agreed by the team during their preparation work.
They were learning about smart paint which changed colour when heated. Part of their designs included this special product.
Students working within the design and technology department on a number of projects including the use of PIC chips for producing computer control products.
They were learning to program a remote PIC buggy to navigate a moonscape. Using the PIC logicator control software students were able to program and test before downloading their program to a buggy controlled by a PIC chip. This buggy was released onto a moonscape and had to find its way across the terrain avoiding the craters on the way.
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