The Work-wise Foundation and STEM Learning Forge Partnership to Launch Operation Vulcan Project in West Yorkshire Schools
The Work-wise Foundation is proud to announce its collaboration with STEM Learning to unveil Dr Pleming's Operation Vulcan Challenge, an exciting educational initiative set to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators in West Yorkshire. This project, in partnership with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, aims to celebrate the legacy of Vulcan XH558 while fostering sustainability and technical ingenuity among students.
Dr Pleming's Operation Vulcan Challenge presents an exciting opportunity for primary and secondary school students to engage in hands-on projects that delve into the realms of science, engineering, and sustainability.
What is the project?
This competition features two longer projects that primary and secondary schools based in West Yorkshire can get involved in.
Primary School Design Project
We would like students from Key Stage 2 to design and create sustainable models of Vulcan XH558 to be displayed as part of an Operation Vulcan Squadron at a Showcase & Celebration event to be held in July 2024.
These models can be created individually or as a team. All entries will be judged by visiting VIPs on the day, and the winners will be announced after the event.
The winning team and their class will be invited for a trip to see Vulcan XH558 close up, explore the aircraft and meet some of the people involved in maintaining it and learn more about its story.
All teams who sign up will be invited to a hands-on project launch day in May during which the children will be involved in a range of flight-related interactive activities which will help them learn about the Theory of Flight and be introduced to sustainability. They will then spend time exploring initial ideas for their models.
Following the launch, schools will be supported by STEM Ambassadors from industry to design and build their models back in school ready to present at a Showcase & Celebration event. The winning team and their class will be invited to visit Vulcan XH558.
For Secondary Schools (Years 8, 9 and 10)
Ever wondered how an ejector seat works? Well, now is your chance to find out!
We would like students to get to grips with the science and engineering behind this. They should then design and build a scale model of their own ejector seat, to be explained and demonstrated to our expert panel of judges. Students should base their ideas on the Vulcan’s own ejector seats, and devise a mechanism that allows it to operate in a safe, environmentally friendly and secure manner. Students will be given the opportunity to learn about and see an ejector seat from Vulcan XH558 at the launch day.
All teams who sign up will be invited to a hands-on project launch day in May during which the project will be presented and teams fully briefed. A real Vulcan ejector seat will be on hand on the day to investigate and explore.
The day will also involve the students in interactive activities which will help them understand the Theory of Flight and technical information on the ejector seat to allow them to brainstorm and explore initial ideas for their design. STEM Ambassadors from industry and experts from The Vulcan to the Sky Trust will also be available to support and share their knowledge and experience.
Following the launch, schools will be supported by STEM Ambassadors from industry to design and create their prototypes back in school ready to present to a panel of judges. The winning team will then get the opportunity to work with engineers to create a scale model of their design to be displayed with Vulcan XH558. They will also have the opportunity to visit the Vulcan itself.
Any teachers wishing to sign up for the project can sign up here: https://bit.ly/OperationVulcan2024
