Submarine

Week - 1 The introduction task...........

Simon welcolmed the 22 teams to the Summer term`s submarine challenge. It will educate family members to the science of getting a model submarine to move through the water.

Alex demonstrated the pentop diver and how air can effect the buoyancy of the container once submerged in the water tank.

Donna then guided the teams through the construction of the powered juice carton submarine. Each family group was given a starter kit which once built could be taken outside to the pool to test.

All the teams decorated their own models before taking to the water to see the movement in the water.

After the refreshment break, teams added ballast to submerge the cartons in the form of rice and water.

Returning to the pool, everybody could judge their sucess. All around the pool`s sides the smiles were plain to see, whether they were winning the buoyancy test or not.

The returning teams displayed their unique T shirts. If you are a new team this challenge, don`t forget to speak to a volunteer or a Speedy Snail to order your team`T` shirts.

It was good to see some famiular faces mixed with some new families. Remember the facebook page for queries or freindly banter between Saturday mornings, but for now I leave you with the class of Summer 2011 ..........

Week 2 - The submarines begin their journey...........

As the teams regrouped, Donna and Simon talked through the two types of submarines each team could build. Option 1 would be able to cross the pool under the surface at a single depth, whereas option 2 would allow you to change the depth of the model if you wanted to be more challenged through the task.

Alex once again went through bouyancy styles in the tin bath testing area so as everybody got an understanding of what they could achieve.

For the younger family members the first mini activity took place. This week they could paint a plastic duck to be floated on finals day.

While the children painted the ducks, the remaining team members started to work out their models using the instructions and handy tips supplied.

The families worked well together having fun as they began to build.

Some family members got the opportunity to try out new skills.

The ducks added a colourful aspect to this weeks session.......

But it was not only the children (and a few parents), that could not resist a go with the glass paints!!

Enjoy the half term break and see you all in two weeks time.

C`MON U RZZZZZZS!!

WEEK 3 - Up periscope.........

After the break for half term, it was full steam ahead in the canteen. With instructions in hand it was time to construct the model submarines which will glide through the water at Brookfields School in five weeks time at the final.

It was time to put a different angle on the proceedings as the younger team members made a periscope out of an old cereal box in this terms second mini challenge.

The adults started to construct their crafts with hot glue guns provided.

While others dicussed the finer points of their designs.

After the refreshment break, the mirrors and view holes were added to the periscopes.

The children enjoyed learning about the latest task.

From a selection of recycled plastic bottles, the submarines started to take shape.

The children kept an eye on the adults.................

Even the adults could not resist the temptation to have fun with their childrens creation.

WEEK 4 - The submarines start to take shape...........

After the opening brief of this week`s session it was straight down to work in the canteen.

With the instructions and a sheet of handy hints and tips, the families continued their construction.

By connecting the wires to the battery packs and tubes to the syringe / drinks bottle, the option 2 submarine would be able to change it`s depth while crossing the course.

The younger members were once again allowed to make their own periscope if they wanted to, or alternativly in addition they could make a maritime themed model out of air clay.

The submarines began to take shape.

With the availability of a wide range of tools, adults could construct their models in their own creative way.

Not forgetting the shop items to combine with recycled items from home.

Outside there was a test pool where teams could test their submarines for bouyancy.

Even as the technical side frustrated the dads, as usual the mums saw the funny side of things.

The air clay models were very creative and colourful as they added to this week`s session.

But the main question before next week is will it sink?

WEEK 5 - Final preparation for test week..............

As the teams approach next week`s test session at Brookfields School, it was straight to work on their submarine models.

After visiting the shop teams could purchase the relevant componants using the unique WSR currency.

The test pool was set up for teams to see how their hard work fared in the water.

All the volunteers were on hand to answer any questions which arose.

Following the refreshment break, more adjustments were made to make the crafts more sucessful.

Teams started to experiment with different types and quantities of balast to make the models go underwater.

Then it was back to the pool to see if the calculations had worked.

The younger family members continued with the optional seascape completing a very busy week.

A big thank you to James of Team Gibbins who took this weeks photos on our behalf.

WEEK 6 - Test week at Brookfields.........

As the sun came out, it was off to Brookfields School swimming pool to test the models the teams had been building over the previous five weeks.

The teams went pool side to dip their submarines in a deeper depth of water before running them down the fifteen metre course set up to challenge the families creations.

Some people adjusted the ballast.

While others needed to be redirected.........

The submarines were various shapes and sizes in true Whacky tradition.

With the shop and refreshments travelling with the volunteers, it was business as usual.

The pool had three areas sectioned off. An area to fine tune the models........

The "diving for magnets" challenge............

Finally the main course flanked by dolphins and balloon marker buoys.

The test runs began with each team recording two times which would show them how their submarines have come together with their newly gained knowledge.

Of course the big boys still played.

There was time to spot a special visitor as Sue made a welcomed return to the project for one week only.

So Sue could see the fun had by all.

Week 7 - The calm before the storm..........

With glue guns at the ready, the quiet of the room would soon be broken as the family teams finalised their submarine models.

The concentration was plain to see on adult and children`s faces.

The adjustments were assesed in the test pool.

The shop did brisk business as the fine tuning peaked during the last session before next week`s final.

The children painted their hearts out........

The seascapes were completed. As an optional side activity it will add colour to the proceedings next week.

The testing continued outside as time run out on this , week seven , of the eight week task.

But who was the imposter crowding the test pool..........

Was it a Speedy Duck?

Look forward to seeing you all at Brookfields school for the climax of an amazing three years. Come and share your stories and make this a great send off for a great project. We all gave it a thumbs up !!!

Week 8 - The grand final.........

The excitement grew as people gathered around the pool.

Some families took the opportunity to run final tests on their models.

Around the pool edge, teams displayed the sea monsters which were built out of recycled materials during the half term break.

Then it was time for the submarines to take to the water as the timed runs began.

Looking around the room it was plain to see the judges would have a difficult time seperating the imaginative creations.

Our thanks go to councillor Jean Gardener, Rick Jones and pcso Sue Nix.

To complicate the proceedings, Sub-duck meandered up the course!

Some teams even went wireless with their designs.

While others needed assistance to get out of the water.

As teams completed the timed run they were invited to the top end of the pool where they could try to collect magnets suspended from yellow ducks.

After competing, everybody enjoyed an end of term buffet under the gazebos.

Then it was time to cut the celebration cake which fell to councillor Jean Gardener to do the honours.

The teams then regrouped around the pool to hear the results.

Head judge Jean Gardener started the proceedings by praising the lottery funded project which has given so much to the family teams which have taken part over its three year run.

In third place came Top Team Mates.

Newcomers Thunderbirds were the runners up.

Crowned Submarine challenge champions were Plunderbirds.

The wooden spoon was awarded to Van der Wehen.

The best sea monster went to The Wright Battalion.

With Team All Stars highly commended.

The team which collected the most magnets were Alphabot. With certificates going to Beech Boys, Plunderbirds, Team Tornado, Team Gibbins, Thunderbirds and The Wright Battalion who took up the challenge.

The Good Egg Award went to the Speedy Snails.

After the public vote, the Peoples Award went to The Wright Battalion.

Congratulations to Team Gibbins who along with Speedy Snails were the only two teams to compete in all nine challenges.

The final prize was for Sue Hale who masterminded the whole idea. A rosemary plant to remember us all by and a climbing patio rose to brighten up her garden from the staff, volunteers and team members.