Back to experiences

Workshop

Olympus Primary Glider Challenge

This extraordinary, free programme invites 10 state primary schools in the South East to embark on a thrilling exploration of aerospace engineering.

Olympus Primary Glider Challenge

This extraordinary, free programme invites 10 state primary schools in the South East to embark on a thrilling exploration of STEM. Get ready to transform your Year 5-6 students into aerospace engineers for a day!

Students will design, build, and test 3 gliders, each unique in its form and constructed with different materials.

Pick 1 of 2 engaging virtual half-day STEM workshops - kindly funded by Olympus - where your school can join The Smallpeice Trust online to take part in an inspiring engineering project.

  • 18 June (9.30am to midday), OR
  • 25 June (9.30am to midday)

Your school will be supplied with all the equipment and materials needed for the project before their wonderful STEM Engagement Specialist guides your students through the engineering cycle of the project – from planning and creating, to testing and improving.

They'll provide everything needed for up to 45 students from each school, guiding them through an unforgettable engineering journey via a YouTube Live link.

 

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Materials
  • Earth and space
  • Forces
  • States of matter
  • Structures
  • Mechanisms

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

Good for a career in...

  • Aircraft
  • Design
  • Energy
  • Space
What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

Log in to write a testimonial
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Trip

Amazon Robotics Fulfilment Centre Tour

A virtual school trip for every future engineer. Discover how computer science, state-of-the-art engineering, and incredible people deliver customer orders at Amazon.

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • Online
  • Up to an hour
  • Free
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Event

The Big Bang Fair 2024

Spark curiosity and challenge your students’ perceptions at the UK’s biggest celebration of STEM for young people, welcoming students in the last year of primary school!

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • Offsite - NEC, Birmingham
  • Half a day
  • Free

Careers resources