Bloodhound Supersonic Car

The mission: to build a car capable of traveling at over 1000mph and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Science made simple are taking the project on the road, in this interactive science show.

What are the challenges in building a vehicle that travels faster then a speeding bullet? See rocket tests, the effect of drag and the fastest mathematician on earth.

Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2

• Comparing properties of materials including hardness, strength and flexibility, and relating these to uses of the materials
• Friction, including air resistance, as a force that slows moving objects and may prevent objects from starting to move
• When objects are pushed or pulled, an opposing pull or push can be felt
• Sounds are made when objects vibrate, but that vibrations are not always directly visible
• Looking at the part science has played in the development of many useful things
• Using appropriate scientific language and terms, including SI units of measurement to communicate ideas and explain the behaviour of materials, phenomena and processes

Key Stage 3

• Forces are interactions between objects and can affect their shape and motion
• Elements and compounds show characteristic chemical properties and patterns in their behaviour
• Use real-life examples as a basis for finding out about science
• Use creativity and innovation in science, and appreciate their importance in enterprise
• Explore contemporary and historical scientific developments

Learning Objectives

Key Stage 2

After watching this show pupils should:

• Understand that engineering is a practical application of science and technology.
• Know that science and engineering can be used to develop new technology, and make advances to existing technology, and that these developments can have implications for how we live our lives.
• Understand that air is a material and that it can affect how a moving object will travel.
• Know that materials are considered for different purposes based on their properties.
• Know that things that go faster than the speed of sound will make a sonic boom.
• Know that forces can be used to make an object move and that the amount of force applied to an object affects how much the object will move.
• Know that oxygen is needed for things to burn.

Key Stage 3

After watching this show pupils should:

• Understand that engineering is a practical application of science and technology.
• Know that science and engineering can be used to develop new technology, and make advances to existing technology, and that these developments can have implications for how we live our lives.
• Understand that air is a material and that it can affect how a moving object will travel.
• Understand that aerodynamics is a very important consideration in the design of cars, in terms of drag and turbulence.
• Know that trial and error is a very important part of the design process.
• Know that materials are considered for different purposes based on their properties.
• Know that things that go faster than the speed of sound will make a sonic boom.
• Know that forces can be used to make an object move and that the amount of force applied to an object affects how much the object will move.
• Know that oxygen is needed for things to burn, and that oxygen can relight a glowing splint.