EPro8 Challenge

last term the entire Intermediate did the EPro8 challenges with the idea we would eventually choose 4 teams of 4 to enter into the inter school competitions and we have got there !
We chose our 16 with a few reserves just in case so now we meet as a group and have a few practice sessions together as they are from different class groups
we had heaps of fun last term - learnt heaps about lots of things and learnt to work with people we hadn't worked together before

If you haven't heard about it or want to know more Google it and have a look at the website and related articles

Here is a few pictures from last term

Term 3 - new term - new group of engineers

The holidays are long gone and the tractor has progressed well !
Last week was the first session with the new group of engineers - some returned from last term and we have some new ones as well.
The ideas are running thick and fast and the tractor is beginning to take shape. The seat has been changed and the transport tray has been welded together.
Thanks to Zane who helped me with the construction last  Thursday after school.
we have got to the sanding of the frame and theres a few welds we need to fix but we are on track
The roof is done and welded on - now we need to sort the wiring for the solar panel before we put the roof cover on !
Next Tuesday its sanding and cleaning the tractor ready to apply Rippo to the entire framework. Then its undercoat then top coat - for the next two weeks
The trailer designers spent last tuesday measuirng the trailer and making the floor for the trailer - we used 16mm plywood so now its fitted we take it apart - sand it then Rippo it ready for undercoat and top coat
We will have to weld on the trailer coupling onto the transport tray too !
This week was a fantastic learning curve for everyone - words like alum key, ratio, sprocket, gearing, chain, volts, resistance, capacity, were used in the design and construction.

What we need to do this week ???
- measure and cut the roof  "lid" from flat iron
sand the frame
sort out wiring before we paint
lights for trailer and tractor
gears, sprockets and chain purchase
positioning of motor etc and weld frame

and the list goes on !!!

pictures soon