No.1 with a rocket

By Bridget Cook
ROCKET-PROPELLED cars are not usually seen in schools.
But Year 10 Select Entry Accelerated Learning Program (SEAL) students from Gleneagles Secondary College designed, built and tested some last week.
The project was part of the Investigative Science Program at the school in conjunction with Monash University.
The project aims to promote science and engineering among junior learners and to enhance their understanding of the fields, while capturing their imagination and interest to extend their learning.
As part of this project, James Shaw, a final-year material engineering student from Monash University, visits Gleneagles College on a weekly basis and teaches Year 10 SEAL students a range of engineering skills.
Year 10 science teacher Russell Bunce said the students had put into practice their engineering design skills and materials theory by designing, building and testing rocket-propelled cars, which had been enthusiastically embraced by all students.
“This project has seen the students design a car and then attempt to build it from commonly available material like wood and plastic,” Mr Bunce said.
“The students learnt, during live testing with real rockets, the importance of good design and careful construction to avoid spectacular engineering failures.”
Year 10 SEAL student Brad said he really enjoyed the project.
“It’s been a great experience, particularly being taught by Mr Shaw from Monash University,” he said.