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malron · 04-03-2008

When looking for a new project for 2nd year pupils in my school, I decided on the Red Baron's famous tri plane. So the stupid mug tree was out and the tri plane was in.
Why the tri plane? Various reasons, including he fact that the tri plane is probably the most famous individual plane ever. Only the Spirit of St Louis could compete, just.
Also the story of the Red Baron would, I reasoned, motivate and interest the pupils. The complexity would also be a real chalenge for thirteen year old youngsters.
When painted and finished, they would have something unique and interesting.
Have look yourself at Ardrossan Academy Tech. Dept Mr.Anderson. Main home page and see what you think of the pupil's work. Use the 2nd year link. The Red Baron Mania page shows the type of commitment I expect from my pupils.

alan2525 · 04-03-2008

I really admire the work you are doing with the kids there, it really looks like it's helping to foster a real interest in making things and learning hands on skills!

I'm not sure of the Curriculum in Scotland but in England, the national curriculum is so prescribed, that when it comes to Design and Technology there is way too much emphasis on the design process and not enough on the making. Kids are actually dissencouraged to make things they might actually like or use. I think it's a real sad state of affairs as children by their nature, want to learn, ask questions and have fun too - we need to encourage that...and what the hell...if they are learning and having fun too...that can't be a bad thing?

A recent design and making project was to design and make a utensil holder, for use in the kitchen, next to the sink to hold washing up brushes or to allow the cutlery to dry off after washing up...try making that a fun activity!

Bluewavestudios · 05-03-2008

I can only agree with Alan's post above,

Some nice pics of your pupil's models there and they look very justifiably pleased in their pics too !!

Nice to see them enjoying a class and learning something, surely that is what education should be all about rather than what the Government imposes these days. Those kids who built those models will probably remember those classes best throughout their school days and who knows, they may surface on here with their current projects. That is certainly a very welcoming thought.

I remember many happy discussions with my Physics teacher at college once he knew I was into R/C models.

Keep up the good work !!

Regards..........Mark