Bridge Building - THE TESTING

After two days of designing and construction, this afternoon saw the ultimate challenge for our budding engineers. Would their bridge span the 1metre gap? Would their bridge support the weight of a large toy VW Beetle? Would the car be able to travel smoothly over the bridge? Did it look aesthetically pleasing? And finally, what was its breaking point? 

In front of a packed hall these tests took place with a variety of outcomes!

Choccos

Earl Soham Bridges

Busy Bridge Builders

Epic Earl Soham Builders

Big Busy Builders

Transportation

Bella's Jolly Great Builders

Crales

Golden Bridge Builders of Great Britain

The outcome was that every group was successful in one way or another. Ultimately, teamwork was vital and was apparent throughout this mini project. 

Bridge Building - The Making

As part of their activities week, children in Years 2 - 5 were given the task of planning and designing a bridge which would span a 1metre gap and provide support for a rather large toy car. The idea was based on the fact that the Orwell Bridge is likely to reach capacity in 2015 meaning that planning needs to be in place to build another crossing. 

Having watched a fantastic programme on how the Milau Bridge in France was made, the children set about their task. However, they could only use sheets of newspaper and PVA glue, had to keep company accounts (due to a limited budget for materials) and research bridge designs from all over the world too . 

Testing pictures and results to follow soon...

Boat Building - Day 4 - The Launch!

Following a morning of last minute alterations and additions, the boats took to the water today. All boats were successful in the way that they made their way to the end of the school pond without sinking or succumbing to mechanical difficulties. It was great to see everyone encouraging and helping one another as our project reached its climax.

It has been a thoroughly enjoyable week, how time flies!

Boat Building - Day 3

This morning started with ensuring that all hulls were 'watertight' and that the motor was securely attached. Then, the process of decoration began with the children deciding on various designs. After this, the creation of the 'super structure' commenced as both a finishing touch and also as protection from water entering the hull.
In the afternoon, we welcomed Mr Nick Hayward who gave a fantastic presentation on the building of his own boat, which went on the water for the first time yesterday. Mr Hayward shared a wealth of knowledge with the children and had a number of items of interest with him including a propeller, an anchor, various different types of wood, compasses and a map of the sea off our coastline.

Boat Building - Day 2

Having cut out the required shapes/sizes of wood and assembled motors yesterday, today saw the children piecing together the hull, mounting the motor, making the paddles and sealing the structure.
As the pictures below show, a high level of concentration and patience was required for everybody to end the day with their model ready for adding the 'super structure' and artwork tomorrow.
A really lovely day!

Boat Building - Day 1

Following on from the Year 4 & 5 trip to the yacht builders, today the children set about making their own.
Using templates, they marked out the pieces on balsa wood and then used craft knives and safety rulers to cut them out.
As well as this, the children wired up their motors and switches ready for fitting tomorrow.

Year 4 & 5 Activity Week Begins

Whilst the Year 6 children enjoy the delights of 'African Adventure' for a week, Year 4 & 5 children are undertaking a boat-building project. The week started with a trip to 'Landamores' yacht builders in Wroxham, Norfolk. Their staff had kindly given up their lunch break to show the children around and explain how their fantastic 'bespoke' yachts are made to customers specifications.
Seeing the work of extremely talented people at first hand was an eye-opening experience for everyone. The sheer magnitude of the production is highlighted by the fact that, on average, 16,000 hours are spend fitting out each yacht.Hopefully, the children have got a 'buzz' for yacht building as for the rest of the week they'll be planning and building their own versions!
We are really appreciative to all at Landamores for giving up their time and making us feel so welcome.