Flipping Beermats

Dr Ian Johnston, Open University

Some time ago, Ian Johnston was asked to design a beermat which had an optimal aerodynamic performance. Why does a beermat need an optimal aerodynamic performance, you ask? So that when you flip it, you can catch it before it lands, of course.

News report on Ian Johnston's original research.

These resources were used in a Motivate conference with 11-12 year-old school students.  Ian briefed the students on how he went about creating such a beermat, and then had the opportunity to design a mat of their own, involving them in practical work and mathematical modelling.

Previous project work and student presentations: Flipping Beermats