We flew a helicopter!

18/09/2008 (Thursday)

a) A shrunk balloon?
* The kids were happy to see the big silver balloon which was in the class since Monday.
* But hey……why has it been smaller?
* ZY said there’s a small hole which was supported by ZYg.
* I traced the balloon’s size on the board. We agreed to see if it would even be smaller tomorrow or next Monday. They have to figure the answer….”Why”???

b) A riddle
* Eg was smiling all the way because he was the one who brought this flying toy……thank you Mr. and Mrs. Gan.
* It can fly,
It has propellers,
It can carry a few people,
It is a transport,………What is it?
* Various answers: aeroplane, rocket, a flying motorbike, helicopter and even a flying Doraemon.
* They learnt propellers which act like wings of birds.
* It’s a helicopter.

c) A brief demonstration
* Eg briefed the class on how to play. He said we had to pull the thread fast as the spring function will force the helicopter to fly above.
* We tried a few times and finally caught hold of the momentum. The kids queued up to try it out.
Analyzing session
* Scientists always analysed and asked questions.
T : Why do we need to fly?
JN : They want to see the moon.
ZY : To see the space.
ZYg : To go places.
T : Can you recall how can machines fly?
Class : fire, engine and wind.
JH : What about wings?
M : The aeroplane has false wings…..that can fly.
T : Do you think some wind is good for the machines.
Class: Yes……
T : What about strong wind?
Some said yes…..some NO……Obviously, machines can’t fly under strong wind condition.

d) Flying a helicopter
The kids waited patiently for their turn to fly Eugene's toy helicopter.
We flew at the garden. They had to hold it above their shoulders so as to fly higher.
The wind helped it to fly higher and longer. It was a challenge as the kids had to pull and let go the thread as fast as possible. JH was afraid but after encouragement, he finally tried.

e) Hot air balloon video clip.
The kids observed how the powerful burner or gas tube inflated the balloon. The hot air actually made it solid and stand. ZY and EG said that hot air is lighter. Then, the pilot and two helpers got into its basket.
JN asked what was the other girl doing outside. She would wait for the return of the balloon and helped pulling down the rope from the balloon.

f) The bloated plastic bag.
In the class, we did an experiment. We took a small cardboard and rooled it into a trianle shape. A plastic bag was pasted over it.
Next, we placed the plastic and cardboard over the kettle's spout / mouth. Then especially at its boiling peak time, the plastic bag started bloating.
We discussed other heaters to be used to heat the cool air.
JS : Go to the kitchen when aunty is cooking,
M : We can light many cigarettes.
ZY : Build a big fire.....
T : That is dangerous. Remember when JS burnt the spiral paper over the lighted candle......?
they laughed and were scared at the same time.
* We decided to use something lighter. The kids would try out with a hairdryer tomorrow. Let's see what happens tomorrow.