The RAF Museum’s writer in residence – children’s author Tom Palmer – has collaborated with the RAF Youth and STEM Team to write two short stories set in the Second World War. Based around famous inventions and their innovators during the wartime period, both stories are accompanied by STEM activities written by the RAF Museum.

The Letter (pdf 328kb)

• Build a “Gosport Tube” Activity (pdf 376kb)
• Spitfire Maths Activity (pdf 337kb)

Miss Shilling’s Guide to Problem Solving (pdf 324kb)

• Build a Spitfire Activity (pdf 1.01mb)
• Build a Merlin Engine Activity (pdf 911kb)

The RAF Museum’s Children’s Author in Residence, Tom Palmer, has written a time-travelling short story commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Join Yusra, Lily and Danny on their amazing adventures are revealed one chapter at a time.

Reading comprehension activities and writing challenges accompany each chapter. Written for children aged 7+.

1. Chapter One (pdf 2,139kb) and Chapter One Activity (pdf 243kb)
2. Chapter Two (pdf 2,372kb)and Chapter Two Activity (pdf 341kb)
3. Chapter Three (pdf 2,369kb)and Chapter Three Activity (pdf 181kb)
4. Chapter Four (pdf 2,027kb)and Chapter Four Activity (pdf 479kb)
5. Chapter Five (pdf 2511Kb)and Chapter Five Activity (pdf 348kb)
   

Parachutes save lives. Air travel has changed greatly since the first flight by the Wright brothers back in 1903, but one thing has not changed, the need for safety. There is one piece of equipment that is vital for any aircrew flying in an aircraft, and that is the Parachute. Parachutes really do save lives by helping the user land on the ground in a slow, safe, and controlled manner.

We have some parachuting questions that will have you adding, subtracting, and doing fractions all the way down.

When you’ve finished the activities, why not listen to Peter Keane talk about his experiences of being apart of the RAF Specialist Parachute testing team. He took part in nearly 2000 jumps, and in one of them set a world record in 1967 for a jump from 42,500ft (or 8 miles) high!

For an additional activity, head on over to our Family Resources page and have a go at making your own parachute!

KS1 Falling Fractions Activity

KS1 Falling Fractions Answers

The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Royal Observer Corps are just two of the groups of people involved in the historic success of the Battle of Britain. Part of their success came from using maths and calculating coordinates. Learn more about their work with our new numeracy resource – Battle Coordinates! When you've completed the worksheets, why not listen to the stories of Katherine Du Plat-Taylor who served with the WAAF in the Ops Rooms during the Battle of Britain? 

KS2 Battle Co-Ordinates Activity

KS2 Battle Co-Ordinates Answers

From the beginning of the First World War, the RAF have evolved over time and as such, so has their equipment. The aircraft and uniform they use has been adapted to respond to the change in use. The numeracy questions below look at some of the differences between older and newer aircraft and equipment. Shape is really important when it comes to thinking about aircraft - can you answer our questions and compare the pictures?

Once you have completed the questions, why not listen to some RAF stories to explore further? You can learn all about the different types of uniform used - from boots to helmets and everything in between! Shape, size, design and style are all really important for uniform to make sure it is suitable for its job and to keep the wearer happy! 

KS1 Maths Through Time Activity

The rationing of essential items became a part of every day life during the Second World War. In order to ensure everyone got their fair share, there was often a little bit of maths involved! Learn all about rationing and answer our numeracy questions - don't forget to show your working out! When you've finished, why not listen to Eileen O'Sullivan talk about her experience of rationing during the Second World War? (Psst...the secret password is the answer to the first question!)

KS2 Rationing Activity and Answers

Finished the rationing activity? Why not check out our Second World War rationing recipes which you can create at home.

Second World War Traditional Recipes 

Read through this short story about the Supermarine Spitfire, written by children's author Tom Palmer, and then complete the mathematics comprehension activity. When you've completed the activity, why not listen to the story of Hazel Hill - the real Spitfire Mathematician? 

The Letter - Short Story by Tom Palmer (pdf 328kb)

Spitfire Maths Activity (pdf 337kb)

Over time from the First World War, aircraft uniform and equipment has changed to respond to the change in use. The Maths questions below look at some of the differences between older and newer aircraft and equipment. Shape is really important, can you answer the questions on shape and compare the pictures.                                   

Once you have completed the maths questions listen to the stories about changes to some uniform, shape, size, design and style are all really important for uniform to make sure it is suitable for its job and to keep the wearer happy! 

Looking for some literacy resources? Head over to the London page and explore literacy themes such as bravery, teamwork, innovation and much more!