Teachers from across Cornwall and Devon race air-powered cars. (click image to enlarge)
Teachers from schools across Cornwall and Devon attended an Institute of Physics workshop at Cornwall College recently.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) teachers from schools including Helston, Looe, Brannel and Kingsbridge in Devon attended the session which saw them create and race air-powered cars.
Alison Alexander from the Institute of Physics ran the session, taking the teachers through their paces and demonstrating how the air-powered cars work. The session was run with the aim for the teachers to have something to take back to their respective schools to help increase students’ enthusiasm for physics.
Mark Frost from Brannel School, said: “Thanks for organising the workshop last night, we will be organising an inter tutor group drag race after the half term, so much to learn without a pen, brilliant!”
Many of the teachers cars worked well, with only one or two suffering technical problems. The winner on the night however was the rocket created by Alison’s husband. It flew quickly down a full 40 metre corridor before crashing into the wall at the end.
Cornwall College’s STEM project tries to organise events like this every half term for the Continuing Professional Development of all staff teaching within those areas. The next event at Cornwall College St Austell is May 25th when Professor Peter Barham will be showing off his amazing “science of cooking” skills. He’s the author of The Science of Cooking and has supported the likes of Heston Blumenthal.
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College, commented: “We are dedicated to working with schools in our community and providing quality provision to students and staff alike. We want local schools to take advantage of the facilities and opportunities available at the College.”
