The talents and abilities of STEM students have the ability to bring wonderful change to our world in so many ways. Aerospace engineers are no exception. Students at Petroc College in Barnstaple, United Kingdom have demonstrated this. This STEM project provided valuable new skills while helping the community.
Build a Plane STEM Project
As part of their Build A Plane project, pre-university students created a fully functioning plane from scratch in only one year. They even worked with retired engineers. This provided them with expertise of those who came before them as they created new technological advancements for the good of the community.
The purpose of this project was to support the patients and families that need the care of North Devon Hospice. Hospice care is for patients that suffer from life-limiting illnesses such as cancer. The treatments alleviate pain and attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. The Build A Plane project supports the wonderful work that North Devon Hospice does for their patients.
The Petroc College students created the “Sky Ranger Swift 3”. This is a light aircraft with a two-person capacity. At a charity event, the team attached the logo to the plane for North Devon Hospice to represent the partnership.
This STEM project has a positive impact on both the students and the communities that surround them. Being able to use the knowledge and education they have gained in college to improve the world teaches the students that everyone can make a difference–and hopefully encourages them to do the same as their careers flourish.
Final Stages for Build a Plane
The students and partners will have an official unveiling. It will undergo proper testing, inspection, and approval for flight. This poses another challenge for the students, but goes to show the strength of their education and support in the process. The students and partners have the exciting opportunity to actually fly the plane, with the chance to take flying lessons.
The plane will be sold to support North Devon Hospice. Read the full story from Devon Line here.
To learn more about STEM projects that improve communities, check out TryEngineering for STEM for Good!
Do you have students interested in learning more about aerodynamics? Get them started with this hands-on TryEngineering lesson in parachutes!