BP Challenge A hands-on competition where students work as a team using simple materials to solve problems Antarctic Explorer Antarctic Explorer Year range: Y4-Y10 Strands: Physical World; Planet Earth & Beyond; Social Science Categories: Conveying; Devices; Outside; Vehicles Competencies: Participating & Contributing; Thinking Scenario Science, geography and exploration were the drivers for numerous attempts to reach the South Pole early last century. Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911, followed closely by Scott (who died on his return journey). In freezing conditions it was essential that you moved fast across the ice. In a team of 4, build a toboggan sled capable of carrying 1 of your team mates along an ‘icy’ course as fast as possible. Materials 2 cardboard boxes; 1 whole newspaper; 1 roll of sticky tape; 4 m string; scissors; four 1 m long pieces of wooden garden stakes or similar (buy these from Mitre 10 or ask kids to bring from home) . You could make this more authentic by asking older students to construct in woodwork or at home and bring it along – using wood or various recycled types and shapes of plastic. You don’t have to use all of the materials. Conditions You’ll have 25 minutes to build this, in a team. Your toboggan will have to be pulled by up to 2 people, and be able to carry ONE passenger, whose entire body must be on the toboggan and not touch the ground. Judging A 4 metre long course will be set up through the ‘ice’, which might have some curves. Ideally you can ‘race’ in the school hall, but you could make it harder by racing on grass outside. The winner will complete the course in the fastest time, with the most ‘intact’ toboggan at the end (score this out of 5 and add to their time). 10 seconds will be subtracted each time any part of your passenger touches the ground!
