Top Speed
The Rocket Car is an IDL project which links our outside partner NXP with Maths, Science & Technology to create a Car of the Future based on “Rocket Power”.
Throughout the project pupils take part in the following:
Science:
- In Science pupils learn about forces, friction and fuels. Pupils will use the knowledge gained here to help design their rocket car.
- Pupils will take part in hands on workshops which investigate the importance of friction and body shape, pupils will use the knowledge gained here to ensure that their rocket car can travel along the ground at high speed.
- Pupils are involved in testing various types of fuels to evaluate which ones are the most efficient at providing energy.
Maths:
- Discovered parabolas within games using ‘Angry Birds’.
- Explored parabolas in real life using Nerf guns whilst trying to hit a target.
- Used ball bearing projectile launcher to discover parabolas have different flight paths depending on the launch angle
- Videoed the ball bearing projectile launcher and then used ‘Tracker’ software to find the Quadratic equation of the parabola.
- Plot parabolas on graph paper using its line of symmetry.
Technology:
- Pupils Design the shape of the car body building on knowledge from science and Maths.
- Pupils will use 3D modelling to design the body shape of the car.
- Pupils will create a frame from wood and vacuum form the body shape from plastic.
- Pupils will also create a team logo and poster to promote their car.
At the end of the project pupils come together to present their finalised power point presentations as well as racing their rocket cars.
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Calderglen Resort
Our interdisciplinary project will give pupils the opportunity to work in Physical Education, Health and Food Technology, Business Education and Modern Languages.
Pupils will be creating and designing a ‘Dream Holiday Resort’ for a specific target group such as teenagers, families with young children, outdoor / adventure seekers and young couples.
Physical Education
In PE pupils will experience a variety of activities that are not part of their regular curriculum, for example, tennis, yoga, zumba, military fitness and mountain biking. They will also participate in various team building and competitions to earn more money towards their budget for their resort.

Modern Languages
In Modern Languages pupils will have daily meetings within their working group to discuss their learnings from the previous day as well as planning for the day ahead. During this time budgets will be considered while taking account of any fines and or issues with their building.
Pupils will also be involved in creating a final presentation to showcase their Dream Resort.
Business Education
Pupils’ time in Business Education will give them access to new programs assisting the creation of the layout of their resort. They will also learn how to brand and market their resort, how to budget effectively and how to consider dealing with customers.

Health and Food Technology
Pupils will enjoy planning and creating menus suitable for their target group as well as creating an entertainment package fit for purpose.








