Year 5 Stem Challenge November 2026
Year 5 completed the first stage of the ‘Road to RIAT Space and STEM Challenge’ on 5th November. It is a free, interactive educational program for schools run by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust in partnership with The Smallpiece Trust and the Royal Air Force.
The first challenge was to work in teams to design, build, and test their own space rockets. The challenge explored aerodynamics, gravity, motion, acceleration, forces, and the impact of drag in space exploration.
The next challenge was to design a sustainable aircraft of the future. They had to explain who would use it; what will power it; what materials will it be used to make it and what makes it sustainable.
Year 5 had some excellent ideas; however, the ‘Road to Riat’ competition only accepts one entry per school. We selected Ben and Dexter’s design. They designed a special remote controlled drone that can go into remote areas and sow seeds. Made from metal found in landfill sites, it has cameras to guide the user to suitable, remote land that needs replanting.
Later in the year, Year 5 will get a further opportunity to join a virtual interactive session with real engineers and STEM professionals.
Year 5 demonstrated excellent teamwork and enthusiasm!
