LAUNCHING our topic: Getting Around

 This week, Tigers have had a great time LAUNCHING our Autumn topic: Getting Around. They have been creative, inventive and practical in creating their own modes of transport and discovering the best ways of getting them to move effectively. 

First, we made our own rockets (and launch pads), carefully following instructions. Once these were ready, we took them outside to launch them. We used film canisters, water and effervescent tablets, and the children learnt about the chemical reaction taking place. They learnt that the ‘pop’ that launched our rockets was due to carbon dioxide building up inside the canister until it bursts out. We experimented with different amounts of water and tablets, discussing the effectiveness of each launch until we decided that just a little bit of water provided the best rocket launch. We had a lot of fun, even if our rockets didn’t quite make it all the way to space. 

Next, we designed and built our own balloon-powered cars. Again, we did lots of experimenting with the best methods and materials, thinking about friction and weight, as well as how the balloon could be attached. We had some fantastic successes and there was much whooping when the cars shot forward. Even cars that didn't move with the balloon power showed a great deal of thought in their designs and the children suggested reasons for why they may not have worked and how they could be adapted.