Learning with Granny!
Full Steam Ahead with Granny
Have you ever thought of what you wanted to be when you
were older? You could be an inventor - an engineer that designs a super
new model of train transport.
 When Granny was little, she loved steam engines. She enjoyed riding in a railway coach behind the smoking engine and remembers that she even thought she would like to be engine driver
when she was older.
Later she was fascinated with a little working model of an 18th Century 'pioneer' of the steam engine era which was a forerunner for steam as a means of transport.
Many improvements were made in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Engineers invented compressed-air brakes, water-cooled air for the engine's pipes and many other features.
They were constantly monitoring the performance of the engines and improving tracks and signaling systems for better function and safety of the
engines.
Designers made the interiors of the coaches more comfortable for passengers too. They introducing padded seats and later 'sleeping cars' - extending this to the luxury of the compartment and dining car - that many of us know today.
Little did the early inventor of the first steam engine realize what employment opportunities he had opened up for so many people. People are needed to
manufacture and run a train, which needs to be manned and monitored at all times as it carries it's valuable cargo of goods and people behind it.
Steam engines are not used much for traveling now that trains are electrified
or powered by diesel.
But there are still many steam engines functioning all over Africa and in other parts of the world.
Granny visited a yard where a number of powerful old 'mechanical dinosaurs' wait patiently to be re-conditioned and put back in to use again - some of the lucky ones will help promote tourism and keep history alive.
Granny visited a Science Fair recently and found some wonderful Mechanical Science and Technology kits from the University of Natal.
 (Enter
here to see a picture from the exhibition). They are great fun and enable learners and teachers to make something that really works. The models can be assembled at
your school desk or at home. Click on the image to the right to see a picture of
the Mechanical Science models you can build.
 Granny shares a drawing of her characters in her book enjoying the "Bottle Jet Dragracer'
they made from the DIY kit shown in the picture before. Enter the picture on the
right to see a larger image.
Assembly kits range in suitability from young children to senior citizens.
If you would like to know more about this - contact Granny
THIS MONTHS POEM
A Trip On A Train.
If you've ever journeyed by train
You'll really want to travel again
To thrill to the sound of the clickety - clack..
Of heavy steel wheels on a shiny track
-------
The whistle blows as you pick up speed
Warning all those in the path to heed !
Buildings and people rushing past...
...Now you're going very fast...
You're over a river - way up high
It's like flying with the birds up in the sky
---------
The whistle blows - you - slow - down - again
Click-click......click-click...go the wheels of the train.
With a gentle lurch you come to a stop.
And decide to climb to the bunk at the top
The only sound is the steam going hiss...s...s..
So you shut your eyes - there's nothing to miss.
----------
You wake up suddenly from a dream
As a roaring Express Train goes past with a Scream !!
'Thank you, Thank you, Thank you'.. it seems to say.
As it blows it's whistle and goes on it's way.
-----------
Jenny Marais '98
Next month Granny invites you to join her on a journey of a different sort as she investigates people and their past.
Visit us next month to find out what Granny has planned.
Granny looks
forward to letters from teachers and pupils and is happy to answer your
questions. Simply e-mail her at granny@scienceinafrica.co.za
Until Next Month...
Granny Jenny
|
