Rocket challenge - Whacky Scrap Races

WEEK 1 - LIFT OFF!

At the first session teams were introduced to how a rocket works. The Whacky team showcased three types of rockets including the water/compressed air powered rocket which the 22 family teams will construct over the following 7 weeks.

During the session all the families made a stomp rocket and launch pad which caused much amusement amongst the raining rockets! following their test launch.

THE STOMP ROCKET CHALLENGE - VIDEO CLIP

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Week 2 - Building the team rocket launchers...

Every team was given a kit to construct their own launcher

With technical advice, the construction began following each step closely on the projected screen. When required individual help was on hand.

The adults joined in with the cable tie chopping challenge!

While the younger team members had the opportunity to take part in the mini challenge of building a lunar landscape.

But after an action packed session the launchers were completed.

Week 3 The rocket building begins...

With the launchers ready for action the teams turned their attention to creating their rockets. With research and technical help on hand the teams experimented with the 1,2 and 3 litre fizzy drink bottles.

The younger team members completed the mini challenge alien landscape.

The finishing touches are made to the first of three rockets each team will make before the testing in week six. Over the half term break, it gives everybody the chance to test how they would like their rockets to look and which materials to choose to make their creations unique and hopefully fly the furthest.

Week 4 Rocket launcher amendments...

After the half term break,Donna led the teams through some amendments to their launchers to ensure a clean,safe release.

While the younger rocketeers turned their creative skills to the second mini challenge of making an alien face mask.

The sessions were proving to be fun for all as the fins were attached and the bottles changed into rockets.

The session leaders tracked the teams progress and were on hand to give one to one help when required.

At the end of the morning the children showcased their masks.....But which mum has gate crashed the party?

Week 5 - Final preparations are made ...

The teams are shown how to connect their rockets to the launchers and the launch pads before they finalised their rocket and prepared to test.

The teamwork between adults and children began to build as the creations were formed.

Using the "WSR" currency, team members purchased sundries to enhance their recycled materials.

The "Whacky Scrap Races" sessions contribute to the Children's university scheme, where your children can work towards gold, silver and bronze certificates.

Week 6 - Test flights begin...

The teams started to test on the school field to see just how far they could reach.

With full safety equipment on hand, the families prepared to launch.

The first rockets were in place and ready to fly!

The first distances were recorded as the rockets landed after their initial flights.

So just how far will your rocket go?

Did your rocket land the furthest distance of the day?

Week 7 - The testing continued as the finals appear on the horizon..

The overcast skies did not stop the test program, so with the gazebos up and the session leaders in place to oversee the launches, it was time to continue.

With the final adjustments made, it's time for blast off!

Each rocket flight distance was marked and recorded. The furthest distance recorded as testing finished was 72 metres by DRAG.

While in the main buildings, the optional themed rockets and landscapes were completed.

Week 8 - Finals day...

Simon started the last session by running through the days events, awards up for grabs and the warning of possible wet showers.

As teams set up for their launches, let battle commence.

Blast off!!...Look at them go...

They soared up into the sky, and gracefully floated back down to earth.

The judges had a hard job on their hands as the rockets came in all shapes and sizes. The winner of the "Most entertaining award" went to the Top Gear entry complete with a model car in true Jeremy Clarkson style.