8th September 2010

Glider Challenge to Mark Anniversary of Battle of Britain

To mark the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, instructors from RAF Cosford have designed a Glider Challenge for local youngsters. The STEM Ambassadors event will take place on 15th September 2010 at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Several and schools have accepted the challenge to design and build a 2 metre long glider from basic materials such as willow, tape and plastic sheets. The gliders, which will transport a bottle of water, will best test flown from a raised platform. Each team will be judged on the distance travelled by their glider; glider design, build quality and team organisation.

The aim of the Glider Challenge is to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) whilst providing a link to and raising awareness of the historical events of the Battle of Britain against the backdrop of the RAF Museum’s impressive displays.

Sgt Tony Soulsby, Event Organiser says:

“This is the second STEM Ambassadors Glider Challenge and the event has proved popular with local schools. The RAF Museum is a fantastic backdrop for the event and is very relevant with 2010 marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.”

The event will run from 9.30am to 3.15pm. For more information about the Access and Learning Programme please contact the Museum on 01902 376241 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

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Media are welcome to attend the Glider Challenge, Schools involved include: John Taylor High School, St Margaret Ward Catholic School and Arts College, King Edwards VI Lichfield, RSA Academy Tipton, Kingsmead Technology College, Painsley Catholic High School, Hadley Learning Community, Phoenix School, , Thomas School, Wednesfield High School.

Notes To Editors: • Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8UP • Open daily between 10am – 6pm (Last admission 5pm) • FREE admission • For further information and all media enquiries please contact Karen Crick on 01902 376208 or [email protected] • RAF Museum Cosford images & logo available at: http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/media-enquiries/downloads.cfm