Thorpe Park

A set of printable resources and guidance notes giving teachers and technicians the basic ingredients to run their very own IET Faraday® DIY Challenge Day. This cross-curricular activity day brings science, design and technology, engineering, maths and computing together in an engaging way.

The context of the challenge

With over 30 thrilling rides, attractions and live events Thorpe Park Resort attracts visitors from all over the world and they are constantly looking for new ideas. Although many of the visitors come to experience some of the world-class rides such as The Swarm, Stealth and the movie themed coaster SAW – The Ride, they know that there are some who find the stomach churning speed and height of these popular rides a little challenging!

Thorpe Park Resort are looking to redevelop a part of the park and need engineers to help. Engineers will need to design a new attraction and construct one small part of their design which includes an electrical circuit.

Thorpe Park Resort look for attractions that could be unique both at Thorpe Park and across other theme parks. All attractions need to comply with the restrictions Thorpe Park engineers must work within.

Can your students help make a difference as a IET Faraday® Thorpe Park engineer?

Activity info and teachers' notes

The Thorpe Park challenge is based on the IET Faraday® Challenge Day of the same name from our 2017/18 IET Faraday® Challenge Day season.

Students are challenged to design and engineer a new attraction for Thorpe Park Resort which could appeal to a wide range of visitors, not just those thrill seekers who currently enjoy the fast and furious rides. They will need to demonstrate that they have the engineering skills required to design a new attraction and construct one small part of their design.

Designed for six teams of six students (36 students in total) aged 12 – 13 years (year 8 in England, and their equivalents), the challenge encourages the development of students’ problem solving, team working and communication skills.

This activity day can be tailored to the needs of your school and your students by adapting the PowerPoint presentation and the editable student booklet.

What's included?

The complete set of downloadable materials includes:

• Teachers' pack
  A list of the practical materials needed, presenters’ notes highlighting key areas and reinforcing key themes throughout the day, some handy hints on how to deliver the day . . . plus printable Faradays currency and student certificates.
• Student booklet
  Available as an editable MSWord document to allow the booklet to be adapted to meets the needs of your students and your school.
• PowerPoint presentation
  A step-by-step guide for your students throughout the day, with supporting notes for the delivery of the presentation.
• Film clip
  Full briefing video introducing the challenge to your students, including hints and tips from real engineers at Thorpe Park Resort.

Download the free activity sheet below!

All online resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and the student booklet and PowerPoint presentation are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students' and your schools' needs.

You can stream and download the related film for free by clicking on the appropriate link in the Related resources section below.

And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation