Project 'JAM' (Jar Air Mechanism)

Abstract

This project was initiated as a standard item of coursework related to the Oxford Board's '0' level in CDT. The problem posed, that of removing tight lids from screw-top jars, was taken directly from a past Oxford paper.

The new 4th form group to which this problem was presented, consisted of 21 boys and 7 girls. The group was to be taught primarily by myself, but with occasional assistance from other departmental staff who were sometimes available.

The project topic when announced, got a mixed reception (not a pun!), the boys feeling initially that there was no problem here, as they had never encountered any difficulty in removing lids from jars!