Year 4 Go To FAST

FAST - Farnborough Air Science Trust

In mid-March, Year 4 experienced a morning of science on a school trip to FAST, Farnborough‘s Air Science Trust.

As part of their Science week, Year 4 visited The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum and had an exciting opportunity to learn how science is applied to technology. The account of the day below was written by Sophie and Max from 4JC.

FAST is a museum full of fascinating planes, and contains some of the most intelligent volunteer’s, some of which were pilots or engineers.

Engaged with the expert’s knowledge, we began with the story of Samuel Franklyn Cody, the first creator of a working plane in the UK. Samuel was an intelligent man who wanted to share his ideas but he wasn’t getting any attention. Frustrated, he joined the army and changed his name to Cody (as he was actually called Cowdery), taking on a family name of another. Although he deceived others with his identity, he loved planes and started to make a kite big enough for a man, but that was not enough for the sneaky risk taker. He then invented an air ship which led to the first ever plane invented. Unfortunately, his risk taking had its limits where his last plane broke down, leading to his death at the age of 42.

After we learnt about the amazing Samuel Cody, we learnt about the scientific term ‘lift’ which allows planes and helicopters to fly. The way lift works, is the air goes over the win g which causes a suction to occur, lifting the bottom of the plane up. Eventually we were left to explore the museum and the engines. A way to remember how an engine works is, Suck, Squeeze, Bang and Blow. Engines come in different shapes and sizes and for m the main part of a plane because without an engine a plane wouldn’t succeed to move at all. Planes also require a runway unlike a helicopter.

After staying inside for so long, we finally felt fresh air. The most exciting part of the trip was when we saw the life-sized planes outside. The most fascinating plane was Concorde, the fastest plane which can travel to New York in three and a half hours! Another plane that interested us was a testing plane where pilots in training develop and experience planes fighting in action.

After two hours of brain knowledge our trip sadly came to an end, we hope we’ll visit the most exciting plane museum in the world again!

Image by Roland Turner, used under Creative Commons license .