Trip to St. Paul's National School! 

Today, Tayyaba, Ms O'Dea and I visited 5th class students (10-11 years old) in St. Paul's National School. After a warm reception from the Vice- Principal and the Class Teacher, we greeted the eager students who were ready to have some fun. 

We began by explaining the project and why we were there. They were fascinated when we told them that we had placed a satellite inside a can. We then discussed Isaac Newton, Gravity and explained Newton's Third Law. We showed them a video of the rocket used in the National Final. 

They were then placed into teams of two and we began demonstrating Newton's Third Law. Similar to our 1st Year Workshop, students had to create a Rocket Cart out of straws, card and polo-mints. The children really enjoyed the activity and were able to explain why the cart was being pushed forward by the end of the activity. 

The hands-on activity gave them a real insight into engineering. Many teams faced difficulties and could not get the carts to move. Just like an engineer investigates and alters the project to rectify errors, the students spotted that some of the walls to the cart stopped the cart from moving. Without asking any of us, they instinctively removed the walls which solved the problem. This demonstrated the incredible initiative the children have. 

They then all designed their carts and we had a race to see who had built the best Rocket Cart! 

Overall, it was a really successful day and it was a wonderful way to involve the local community! Thank you to everyone in St. Paul's for allowing us to carry out this vital part of our outreach programme. 

By Hugh