SWINDON College lecturer Bob Ashworth visited Malmesbury School to work with students to create new crop circles using maths and engineering calculations.
Co-ordinates were found using a Global Position System, and then using a Total Station to locate points around the school field to set out the crop circle.
A Total Station is a very accurate protractor with a telescope so that the points can be seen precisely, as well as a laser to measure the distance of the point of interest.
Once on the field, 20 pupils working in two groups used the Total Station to locate the points and used pins to track the design.
The lines were then drawn with spray paint between the pins to create the crop circle.
“I created this as part of the college STEM initiative and schools outreach programmes,” said Bob. “It is intended to inspire students to understand a number of simple engineering and mathematical tools to help understand the world around us.”
After the exercise, a group of pupils had the opportunity to stay behind to talk about the engineering and maths aspects of the project.
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