STEM Clubs

School: Bideford College Status: In progress Date Started: 22 Jan 2010 Keywords tags: skateboarding skateboard skate design Workshop Technology Science No of pupils: 0 Number of views: 5212

Skate Club's aim is to design and make skateboards with a clear business principle. KS4 and KS5 and identified KS3 GAT students work as “student mentors” to extend their learning in Science and Technology. The group involves girls and boys who are at risk of underachieving and require additional motivation. The link with skateboarding and art has been successful in encouraging girls to participate and given them an insight into the engineering skills required in the production of the skateboard which is used as a “canvas”. Science principles such as friction, velocity, mechanics of force, tribology, etc. are covered during the production of the skateboard. Maths principles drawn upon include symmetry, scale, costing and measurement.

Students experience engineering techniques first hand as they use “Vacuum Bagging” to laminate materials to form the material used for the skateboard deck. 2D Design Tools will be used to create templates (CAD / CAM) which will be used with the Roland Cutting Machine to create templates for cutting and finally applying the graphics using an airbrush (with non solvent paint) in a ducted extractor area to comply to health and safety regulations. Funding will allow the club to develop in the 2nd stage to batch produce marketable skateboards which is an important part of the club becoming sustainable for the future.

Please see the clubs BLOG for full details and the continued varied opportunities for the teaching of Technology, Science and Mathematical principles.

http://www.bideford.devon.sch.uk/blogs/skate