Full steam ahead for Naenae College students

For Naenae College students Zac Douglas and Heather Williamson, there's no doubt what career pathway they're embarking upon. Their work in mechanical engineering class in 2009 under the guidance of teacher Ian Munro will stand them in great stead for their respective futures.

Heather was a Year 13 student in 2009, and her project work has inspired and primed her for an exciting future learning a valuable trade.

"I made a two-stroke internal combustion motor. It has a lot of different parts which took most of the year to make," says Heather.

The engine was constructed using many different metals included steel, brass and cast iron. Special aircraft-grade aluminium was also used for some of the parts.

"We did some studies and tests on materials that could be used to produce working engines and learnt a lot about different machining processes.

"I think I have learnt some really good stuff and am hoping to do marine engineering in 2010," says Heather.

At the same time, Zac was busy applying himself to build a steam engine, learning fundamental skills and knowledge at the basis of all engineering trade training. Zac was one of Ian's Year 12 students last year.

"We fabricated almost all of the parts and it's fully functional. It was fun and we did lots of related studies to earn NCEA credits," says Zac.

Zac's gained a good understanding of the engineering and mechanical principles behind the project, and what makes the engine ‘tick'.

"It works by boiling water in a copper boiler heated by firelighters. The steam then goes into the cylinder forcing the piston down, which turns the crankshaft. It works a bit like a car motor, but there's no explosion taking place."

"I have learnt a lot this year through practical work and related studies, and am hoping to study mechanical engineering at Weltech in 2011," says Zac.

Ian says he is really proud of his students, and from 10 of his Year 13 students they've manufactured five running motors.

Not a bad effort for New Zealand's future engineers who will be hoping for a rewarding, productive and prosperous career in industry.

Click here to view Ian's YouTube video clip of the steam engine project.

Click here to view all of the project video clips from Naenae College's mechanical engineering class.

Top: Heather Williamson with her two-stroke internal combustion motor, which provides ample power for this propellor.
Bottom: Zac Douglas with his full functional steam engine he fabricated most of the parts for himself.