The workshop
Pupils work in pairs or individually to build simple rockets or aircraft from card templates. We then launch them from our unique compressed air launchers to see how far they fly.
Teams can experiment with adding weight, adding and adjusting flaps and rudder control and even building a simple aerofoil wing to generate lift.
We provide a variety of templates but it’s also possible to go freestyle and test their own talents as aircraft deisgners.
Workshop Requirements
To run the workshop we need access to a space large enough to accommodate all of the participants for the introduction at the start of the workshop.
We will then need a space or spaces suitable for the number of participants to undertake a practical activity. For larger groups we will usually split into a number of separate classrooms for the Micro Plane construction.
For launching we will need access to a large indoor space, such as a school hall or sports hall.
Workshop format
The session starts with an introduction to all participants which covers the science behind Micro Planes and the process of the workshop. It may also include demonstrations of some small alcohol powered rockets and our Wonderstruck Hoverchair if you haven’t already seen our Rocket Show as a starter activity.
Teams then go off to individual classrooms to build their rockets and/or planes. Once that’s all done we return to a suitable space for launching!