The Bloodhound project aims to build the fastest vehicle on Earth, the Bloodhound supersonic car, which they hope will hit 1000 miles per hour.
Bang Goes the Theory's Dr Yan Wong sets primary school-aged children a series of challenges that explore the science behind this exciting project to build the fastest car in the world. What makes it move? What will it be like to drive? How does it slow down?
Suitable for: Science and Design & Technology at KS2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2nd level in Scotland.
Experimenting with balloon-powered cars. video
Primary school pupils investigate which model car design is faster; one propelled by an elastic band around the axel, or a balloon-powered car which doesn't directly power the wheels.
Experimenting with reaction times video
Children from New Invention Junior School in the West Midlands investigate their reaction times and how these are affected by distractions.
What's Bloodhound like to drive? video
Primary school children investigate what driving a car at over 1000 mph would be like, by trying out at RAF flight simulator and taking a flight with Bloodhound's driver Andy Green.
Experimenting propulsion with water rockets. video
Primary school children investigate the theory behind what makes the Bloodhound Supersonic car's rocket engine work, trying to make their water rockets travel the farthest.
Harnessing air resistance with parachutes. video
Children from Links Primary School in London investigate harnessing air resistance in order to safely drop an egg, experimenting with different parachute designs.
How air resistance slows down vehicles. video
Bloodhound Investigators find out how air resistance can be used to slow down vehicles. They also discover the importance of traction, drag and aerodynamics.
Investigating air and water resistance. video
Primary school children investigate which shapes travel fastest through water, to understand what is the best design for the Bloodhound Supersonic car.
Investigating friction. video
Dr Yan Wong and children from Links Primary School in London investigate friction by trying to separate two interleaved books.
Is the Bloodhound SSC a car, a boat or a plane? video
Bloodhound Investigators find out if Bloodhound SSC is a car, a boat or a plane. They compare and contrast features of each with input from members of the Bloodhound team.
What impact does air resistance and density have on travelling fast? video
Primary school children try skydiving, flying a microlight and racing in a swimming pool to understand how air resistance and density will affect the Bloodhound Supersonic car.
Why doesn't Bloodhound have tyres? video
Primary school investigate why cars normally have tyres - even though Bloodhound SSC does not. They visit a race track to find out about grip and traction, and ride bikes to find out about comfort.
What makes a supersonic car move? video
Primary school children find out about the engines that will propel the Bloodhound Supersonic car to 1000 mph, a jet engine and a rocket engine.
