Besides a diversified lab program, regular teacher training courses and exciting glider days, DLR_School_Lab Göttingen has an expanded workshop area for gaining practical experience. Fifth and sixth grade students meet once a week in groups devoted to model aircraft construction and flight. These models are constructed in intensive team or individual work during which the students learn about handling various materials, adhesives and tools. Remote control is practiced with a flight simulator.
The first simple gliders are made of inexpensive materials and the students are encouraged to be creative when designing their aircraft. In the more advanced group - open also to older students - more complex constructions are on the program. All model aircraft are then tested by the students themselves as to their flight characteristics. There is a lot of enthusiasm whenever one of these creations flies well and can be produly taken home.
These groups develop the participants' awareness of technical and aerodynamic problems and for some of them it is a start on the way to a career in aerodynamics or space technology.
Again and again it has been shwon that the student workshop is also a popular place for teachers to obtain additional training. They can pick up practical teaching ideas and basic information here for their work in the classroom.
Students build a model plane in the workshop