As part of our Energy Transformations topic, and because we are visiting Echuca early in Term 4 and taking a ride on a paddle steamer, the students were challenged to make their own “paddle steamer”. They were given a plan to base it on, but invited to alter it in any way they liked.
- Tape a chopstick to each side of a 2 litre drink container and stretch an elastic band between them
- Cut two sides of a 1 litre milk carton in half and fold them
- Tape the milk carton pieces together to make a paddle
- Push the ‘paddle’ through the elastic band and twist to create stored elastic energy.
Some students chose to follow this design closely, while others explored adaptations and enhancements.
