Stem Clubs Activities
Making a volcano
21st June 2012
Our students have been building a volcano ready to explode at the end of the year. Supported by our older students, we are testing suitable combinations so that we have a successful reaction.
fingerprint key ring
12th June 2012
the boys were invited to produce their own key rings using finger printing methods as currently used by the police to produce an insert for the key ring.
F1 in Schools Challenge 2012-13
01st May 2012
Registration is now open for the F1 in Schools Challenge 2012-13 season. We want to build upon the success last year where we had 5 teams entered in the competition.
If you want to design, build and race your own model racing car and feel you with a group of your friends can demonstrate the F1 team ethos of drive and co-operation, then come and see Mr Kennedy in Technology.
The competition will be launched fully after half term (June) but if you are itching to get started then get your team together and we will get you started.
Testing bullet proof composites
26th April 2012
We first examined what composites were and their uses in everyday life.
Common composites are GRP (Glass reinforced plastic) or fibre glass, carbon fibre and boron fibre as well as aramid fibre composites (kevlar), the latter are used in bullet proof garments.
The students were set the task to produce a cheap composite from a range of materials that was strong enough to withstand a mock bullet impact (in reality a clamp stand rod dropped down a piece of plastic pipe from 1 metre onto the test material.
Students had the option to use 1 sheet of real kevlar in their composite if they wished.
Watch this space for the results of the experiment….
Testing bullet proof composites
26th April 2012
Gadget Show Live
18th April 2012
We visited the Gadget Show Live to look at the latest technology as well as the live show. It was a fantastic day with great features including seeing the presenters, Laser Man and a a dancing robot. Well woth the trip and an event we will be doing every year.
Guitar making club
29th March 2012
I am Savanna Johnson and last year I joined the new ukuele club as a way to achieve my Bronze Art Award.
Despite having little knowledge of the making process, but with plenty of luck and help I managed to make my ukuele.
Enjoying the process and inspired to take my Arts Award further I decided to help in the club the following year.
I am now leader of the group helping other students to make their ukueles!
They have been applying traditional hand skills / tools to form the body and neck, while incorporating CAD – 3D router to form the smaller intricate parts.
Jaguar Challenge
29th March 2012
The Jaguar Maths Challenge is here. Over 200 schools competing to design the fastest racing car. Neatherd is one such school. Pupils are invited to join Mr. Chapman in designing the best car yet.
Stomp Rockets
28th March 2012
The pupils worked in groups to make the best rocket they could based on design and the distance it travelled using PVC pipe, a 1L litre bottle, coloured paper and card. Each group then had 3 turns to see how far their rocket would travel.
THE SCIENCE: We used stomp rockets to demonstrate how rockets use force and pressure. Stomping on the rocket causes a rapid increase in air pressure in the bottle. This force propels the rocket upwards.
Overall Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Overall Understanding: 5/5
‘More time needed’. J.A.S. Y7
Chemical Reactions
28th March 2012
This week was all about different chemical reactions. This included making a lava lamp using oil and alka-selzers, ‘Elephant’s toothpaste’- hydrogen peroxide and yeast in a measuring cylinder and mini rockets using vinegar and bicarbonate soda.
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5
Overall Understanding: 5/5
“I have always wanted a lava lamp and it was good” D.B. Y7
Forensics day in Parkhall Integrated College*
27th March 2012
Forensics Investigation in Parkhall Integrated College*
“There has been a murder”!! This is the news which spread through Parkhall Integrated College’s* junior school on Tuesday 4th October 2011. Pupils and staff were intrigued by the sealed off classroom and the presence of police along the science corridor. Beyond the police tape, a skeleton could be seen draped across a science desk with a nasty gash to his head. The blood still looked fresh! But rather than the feeling of fear, excitement ran through staff and pupils as they would be getting the opportunity to take part in the forensics investigation. Rumours began to fly around the junior campus “Who did it?”!
The ever popular STEM club in Parkhall Integrated College* celebrated the launch of its increasingly popular after school club by encouraging pupils to explore their investigatory skills and relate their learning to everyday situations! Police from the Antrim area guided pupils and staff on procedures which would normally be carried out at a real crime scene. Fingerprints were dusted and recorded, suspects fingerprints were recorded, hair samples were gathered and the murder weapon was sealed and examined.
Members if the STEM club presented their findings during assembly and after an indepth Scientific investigation the crime has been solved!!
Whitby Rotary Club Technology Tournament
16th March 2012
Design and Technology competition between schools from all over the North East and North Yorkshire.