INDUCTION SESSION: CONTRAPTION

SESSION: INDUCTION ACTIVITY – CONTRAPTION
Expected Progress:
è  Young people use creative methods to build a “contraption” within a certain timescale
è  Individuals can be given a role within the group e.g. timekeeper, team leader, idea collation, H&S etc – they have to be reliable to feedback on a regular basis to the rest of the group / Description:
This activity will outline the need for timekeeping as the contraption has to be built over a 30 minute time period. Group members will have to be reliable on certain members to keep time, Team Lead, project overview etc. Discussion can be had as to what these different roles entail.
The key to the game is the usability of the objects you place in the bag, the more interesting and versatile the more creative the teams become. The contents of the bag must be identical. Groups of 4 or 5 will be best for this game.
Resources required:
è  Paper bag to hold objects for each group
è  Different objects such as:
o  Length of string, Paper clips, Balloon, Safety pins, Toothpicks, Paper pieces, Straws, Rubber bands, Cotton balls, Hair clips, Sellotape, Cloth/material pieces / LLN Opportunities:
è  Creative Discussion
è  Possible aspects of Physics / STEM Opportunities:
è  Engineering
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY
Talking Points
è  Discuss who within the groups will be good as timekeeper/ team leader/ H&S rep etc as that person must be reliable within that role
è  What is the best way to get ideas for your contraption within the group?
è  Thoughts on how to get your contraption moving
Development – 30 minutes
Testing Each Group’s Contraption – 15/20 mins
è  Each group will get 5 to 10 minutes to discuss what ideas they have
è  Each group will appoint their timekeeper etc
Each group must build a “contraption” out of the materials provided. The contraption will travel from one end of a room or distance to another without being touched by the participants. They may blow on their contraption, or fan it but it must be propelled by their own forces.
The winning group are the ones who finish the course or are nearest to finishing – a prize can be offered

Engineering
Reflection
è  What went well in your group
è  Were the Time Keepers, Team Leaders etc reliable – if not how did that hinder the making of the contraption
è  Did you run out of time?
è  Did your contraption work?
è  What could have been done to make it better?
Extension Ideas
è  Discussion about how people design buildings, cars, bridges etc
è  Do they have to be reliable in their field of expertise e.g. would you have a Doctor designing a boat? Maybe……..