Putting ideas to the test

On Wednesday 04 November, 75 Year 7 pupils swapped their usual lessons for a morning of problem-solving, teamwork and practical challenges in the Main Hall.

The morning began with a marble run challenge. Working in teams, pupils were given card, paper straws and tape to build a free-standing structure that would carry a marble from a height down to the table. The aim wasn't to get the marble to the bottom as quickly as possible, but to make its journey last as long as they could.

There was plenty of trial and error as pupils adjusted their designs, tested different approaches and worked together to improve their results.

The second challenge gave pupils the chance to become inventors. Each team was asked to come up with an original product based on the principles of physics, before presenting their idea to the rest of the group. It was a chance to think beyond the classroom and practise explaining ideas to an audience.

The morning was a great opportunity for pupils to try something different, work with their peers and see how science and engineering can be applied in creative ways.

A big thank you to Automate Best UK for once again providing the resources free of charge and helping us bring this experience to our Year 7 pupils.