THE SPHERO WATERCRAFT CHALLENGE

This week Year 5 students were engaged in a STEM challenge which asked them to design, make and test a watercraft powered by a Sphero to carry a mini teddy across a small body of water in the least amount of time.  The watercraft had to cross a designated distance and around floating obstacles. Students needed to consider buoyancy, density, surface area, and what types of materials float in water. 

The watercraft challenge was phase one of a project collaboration between St Joseph’s Primary School, St Peter’s Primary School and Newcastle Education University Students.  This partnership is providing our students and teachers with the opportunity to learn from each other whilst showcasing their engagement with STEM. 

After lots of experimentation in teams of four, students put their ‘watercraft’ through its paces and created an imovie, which was shared with our partner school.  Their imovies had a two minute time limit and needed to include the following:-

• Detailed diagrams of their design with explanations as to why they chose each material.
• Video footage of their watercraft in action.
• Results  - Time taken for their watercraft to complete the water course.
• A reflection.

From this point the imovies were shared with St Peter’s where they will be judged by their Year 5 teaching staff.  Five teams will be chosen to move into Phase Two, where they will work with Pre Service teachers from the University of Newcastle to become our ‘Tech Experts’.

The day was a hive of creativity, presistence and resilience.  Students were engaged in every facet of their project and we look forward to sharing them with you in the near future.