Our second day began with a short presentation from those who had completed some homework after day 1. Georgie, Owen, Billy and Josh had all completed a computerised mission patch. See above for photos of these really superb pieces of design. All very impressive. Many of the campers had also completed their KWL sheet, which will be useful for tomorrow's work.
Then the tone was set with a video and discussion about how effective a pressurised space suit needs to be. The video about EVA can be viewed from the student CD. A very well put together resource using NASA footage, including a lesson on how a space suit works, filmed on board the shuttle 280 miles above earth. Much physics in the clear demonstrations. Following this we had a look at pampers and absorbency. All three Apollo groups used air tests to conclude that 1 pamper can absorb over 1 litre of water. The crystals were removed from one and showed that 800ml of water absorbs into a liquid with a jelly consistency. Each pamper was weighed, showing that each weighed over 800g, so with 1l of water weighing 1kg, this proved the recording to be fair ad accurate. Well done to all three teams for this investigation. Pleasing results and impressive collaboration in each group. Skillful recording of each stage of the test, too by Isabel, Georgie, Josh and Alex. Well done.
Following this there was a partnership session where we all utilised the student CD, day 1, to record facts about the planets. This was then turned into a presentation for the whole group, with all groups fully participating and giving good facts in a clear and concise manner. This was followed by a photo shoot for the Herts and Essex Observer, where we launched a few rockets as well as had team photos taken. Look out for the paper, if not this Thursday, then certainly next week.
Following lunch we returned to watch a splendid video of a shuttle launch and then on to the main events of the afternoon. Firstly; a straw kite construction. A simple and easy kite making lesson which introduced gravity, drag, lift and thrust. These worked well indoors whilst outside it was a tad too windy. However, Isabel's reached a fully extended 9 metres in height. Her successful flight is shown in the photos of just the kite above the height of the school building. Back indoors we then began constructing a model of the space shuttle. This craft re enters earth's atmosphere with no power, relying on gliding as it lands on a runway. The finished models were then hurled around, flaps were adjusted and several glided most impressively. Lizzie, Robyn and Jack's models proving most successful. Ellie's after minor adjustments flew successfully as did most of the others. Well done to Owen for persevering with his and Sophie for her hard work with cutting out the fiddly flaps and tabs. Care with sticking was the key to success here. Many discovered that launching into the glide upside down helped as the shuttle model would then right itself and continue with the glide. More trial and error in adjusting the set up will eventually give better results.
And so to the final part of the day with parents arriving. A few more rockets were launched, with Josh's landing a good 20 metres away. I particularly like the photo of Isabel's launch. Look where everyone is looking. Obviously a successful launch.
Back inside for a quick recap and to point out that the first animals in space were 25 pigs, trained to use their trotters on a control panel to turn left or right was in fact an April Fool!! Sorry folks.
Good recaps were given on space history and all the activities. Again a really pleasurable day in the company of some thoughtful, creative and excited learners.
Tomorrow, "return to earth" day involves living on Mars and landing back on earth with the help of a parachute. These will then be tested before final awards and farewells. Looking forward to tomorrow morning already.
Don't forget, if you have a chance design a computerised cover for your folder. Loads of sheets to add to this tomorrow, so don't forget to bring it back!
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