Running time approximately 30 minutes.
Mr Fitz is an unusual Science Teacher in that he has a time-machine! With this machine, he is able to take his pupils back to interact with the key individuals involved in inventing and designing machines that allowed men and women to eventually take to the skies. Starting with the balloonists and ending with the Wright Brothers, the play shows how persistence and bravery (many pioneers lost their lives whilst testing their own machines) overcame difficult engineering problems. This presentation can be used over and over again by schools as we do not charge royalty fees. Once you buy the play, it is yours to save for future year groups.
21 SPEAKING PARTS.
The presentation makes use of 18 visuals (downloadable – we give sources).
As with all our plays, there are full production notes that give advice on scenery, costumes and props.
NO ROYALTIES, PHOTOCOPYING LICENCE INCLUDED.
Here’s a sample
(A classroom. Standard tables/desks and chairs. There is an interactive white board centre (or flip chart) SEE PRODUCTION NOTES. Two tables are required, one a modern style with a ‘control box’ with a large red button on it and the other an older basic style. The pupils enter with their bags and books.)
SALLY
Only two more days before the summer break. All those weeks of lazing about.
PETER
Are you going away?
SALLY
Yes. We’re flying off to spend some time with my grandparents. What are you doing?
PETER
My dad and me are going gliding. He’s already got his licence and I’m going to be working towards getting mine.
GEORGE
Wow! That sounds great.
JESS
I wouldn’t like that! No engine.
MARY
I wouldn’t like it either. Too small. I like my planes big.
GEORGE
I had my first glider flight last year, it was fantastic! I felt just like a bird, soaring around the sky. I can’t wait to get back up there.
(FIZZY and MISS SMITH enter.)
FIZZY
Back up where George?
GEORGE
In a glider, Mr Fitz.
FIZZY
It’s wonderful isn’t it, soaring around like a bird?
MARY
Have you been gliding, Mr Fitz?
FIZZY
Yes, I have. It’s a wonderful experience.
SMITH
Settle down class.
(They all sit at their desks.)
SMITH
Today we’re going to finish off the physics questions we started yesterday.
FIZZY
Flying is all about physics. Who would like to study some of the physics of flying?
TOGETHER
(Individual positive responses.)
GEORGE
Could we go back to the beginning of flying?
FIZZY
Well, it’s a long story.
SALLY
Please Mr Fizz…
(The class explode into laughter.)
SALLY
Oh, sorry Mr Fitz. Please – can we hear the whole story?
FIZZY
Okay. Is that what you all want?
TOGETHER
(Individual positive responses.)
FIZZY
Right, let’s get started then…
Throughout history man has dreamed of flying, envious of the birds who do it so effortlessly. Back in the late fifteenth century, Leonardo da Vinci was drawing flying machines which showed he had given his designs careful consideration. But the first time a man was physically lifted into the air we have to go back to Versailles, France in 1783. Are you all holding tight?