Pupils have been working in groups to create ‘Halley VI’, the sixth version of the British Halley research station. Having been given a design brief students have worked together to produce a model research station fit for the staff of the British Antarctic Survey team to live and work in.
Students had to think like designers and consider a number of key factors before they began to plan their design. Pupils looked at Halley’s changing staffing level throughout a year and how the station would need to meet the needs of staff for work, recreation and relaxation. They also considered Halley’s position on the Brunt Ice Shelf, which is constantly moving towards the ocean, and ensured that Halley could be moved easily to different positions on the ice shelf.
Working in groups of four the Year 9s each came up with a design plan and model. A range of materials were used and every design was individual to its group. Upon completion of the task students presented their ideas to the class and explained the thought process behind their final design. Pupils had considered important factors such as recreation, lighting, waste, energy source, environmental impacts, communication, food and layout.
Year 9 student Alex worked alongside his peers Rebecca, Kyle and Sarah. Alex said: “The focus of our design was to provide somewhere nice the scientists would like to live. Another focus was the station being movable so we included skis in our design.”
Fellow student Kyle said: “The project has been fun and we have enjoyed thinking about how we could make the best research station.”
Geography teacher Miss Butterworth set the task and was pleased with the results. She said: “The students have worked well together in groups and have really thought about the architecture and functionality of their model research stations. I’ve been impressed with the level of effort that has gone into this task.”
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Year 9 Geography students create their own version of Halley VI
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