VSSEC Incursion

VSSEC Incursion (11 Physics and 9 Advanced Science)

The VSSEC Wind Tunnel incursion was an exhilarating opportunity for both Year 9 Advanced Science and Year 11 Physics students to see physics in action! This immersive experience linked theoretical concepts with real-world applications, engaging students with advanced topics like Bernoulli's Principle, drag, and lift. Year 11 students delved into Unit 2 concepts and honed their practical investigation skills, while Year 9 students got their first taste of data analysis.

Tasked with the intriguing challenge, "How do changing requirements impact the design of transportation?", students designed and crafted their own aerofoils using a hot wire cutter. They then tested these designs in the wind tunnel, which was specially loaned to us for the week from VSSEC. The students were actively involved as they gathered and analysed data from their aerofoil designs, directly applying what they've learned in class to a real-world scenario. This incursion was crucial because it gave them the chance to see how changes in design—like the shape or angle of an aerofoil—affect things like lift and drag. By testing their designs in the wind tunnel, they could see the immediate impact of their choices, making the science behind flight more tangible and understandable.

When it came time to present their findings, students explained how their designs performed under different conditions, highlighting what worked and what didn’t. This process not only deepened their understanding of the forces involved in flight but also helped them develop critical skills in analysing results and communicating their ideas clearly.

Miss Nikita Cosoleto