Viking Longship Workshop

We talk about the history of the Vikings as pupils build the longboat structure. Where they originated from, where they traveled to, why they traveled and how the design of their boats enabled them to do this so successfully

As with Design & Technology it is the engineering contained in STEM that applies to Physics within our workshops and the importance of triangulation in structures

We only use two materials in the majority of our workshops; dowel and rubber bands. Using these simple materials pupils can easily grasp the importance of triangulation and strong bond in structures, both made made and natural.
Construction Elements Included, where pupils have to follow instructions together to form the structure, so need to help and guide one another to ensure a successful build.

All of our hands-on workshops contain every aspect of STEM learning, from number and counting to shape and space the real word Maths involved is focused on the importance of triangulation in construction. From EYFS Pyramids to KS2 Skyscrapers

As a way of leaning about the structures the pupils have built we use drama to enact out the Vikings in their Longboat sailing and rowing to north America via the arctic circle avoiding icebergs as they go. We play a version of What's The Time Mr Wolf, with pupils lifting their oars from the water when the spotter shouts "iceberg"

Problem solving and resilience are endemic in all of our workshops, but particularly in the STEAM orientated ones, like Bridge, Maths & Design, Shelters, Skyscrapers, Olympic Sculptures. Pupils Work individually, in groups and altogether to create one large structure, or remaining in groups make their own structure. e.g. bridge, shelter, sculpture. The teamwork and resilience needed helps develop pupils cooperative intelligence.