Nine key stage 3 students entered the regional finals of the F1 In Schools Challenge. Prior to the event students split themselves into 2 teams and have been working after school to produce all necessary components to enter the competition. The teams have been building a small model formula 1 car that they had to race against various teams across the midlands. The teams have had to consider size and weight constraints of the car, aerodynamics, manufacturing methods and team identity. Students started with sketches that developed into a plasticine model to get an idea of how their designs would look as 3d shapes. From here, they refined and developed their idea into a foam model. Once finalised students then made their car using traditional hand tools. Students added to the aerodynamics of their vehicles by adding 3d printed wings to their vehicles. Once created students then branded their car with their team’s logos and colour schemes.
In addition to the car students were asked to provide a 5 page portfolio of their design journey as well as create a ‘pit display’ to promote their team and show of their team identity to the panel of judges.
The final part of the requirements of the competition was to prepare a 5 minute presentation to a panel of judges. The permeation had explain what they set out to achieve and how they got to the regional finals.
On Wednesday 15th January, both teams headed to the regional finals AT Make UK in Birmingham. Both teams were a mixture of nervous and excitement.
During the day students had to set up their pit display to show off their designs and team identity. Next came a discussion with the judges regarding the design journey their team had been on from initial concept sketches to the final vehicle.
The next part was the race. The cars were placed on a starting block and propelled down a 30 meter straight using co2 cartridges. Our cars were the 4th and 9th fastest cars in our category.
The final part of the day was a verbal presentation to a panel of engineers. The presentation was to help the judges understand what they set out to achieve with this task.
At the end of the day came the awards ceremony, unfortunately neither team placed in the top 3 overall, however the wealth of knowledge and experience they achieved form their visit far outweighs any trophy and both teams will return to the competition next year stronger and faster than this year Already both teams are putting into plans their entries for next year’s competition. Bring on 2012 regional finals.
A special thank you to Mr Sohker, Mr White and Mrs Sehera for all of their support with the group and the trip.
