Pupils with a propensity for all things technical will be kicking it up a gear as they work on their miniature car models set to race at this year’s Top Gear festival.
South Africa has a shortage of engineers and, in an effort to get children interested in careers in engineering, Top Gear organisers have invited a number of eThekwini schools to participate in the “F1 In Schools Technology Challenge”.
It is a international programme that aims to raise children’s awareness of Formula One to change perceptions about engineering, science and technology by getting pupils involved in a fun activity.
Clifton College, George Campbell Technical School, Glenwood Boys’ High School, Open Air School, Phoenix Technical School, Sivananda Technical School and uMlazi Comtech all have teams working on mini Formula One cars.
BIG TASK AT HAND
Teams, made of three to six members, will be judged on car speed, supporting evidence of the design, an oral presentation and the marketing display stand at the festival. They have to develop a budget and raise sponsorships by collaborating with businesses.
The dynamo cars are restricted in size to 21cm in length, 85mm in width and 50mm in height designed using 3D software, with the help of a DUT engineering student.
The teams have been doing research to ensure the cars are aerodynamic and capable of speeds of more than 60km/h.
A public test run will be held at ScienCentre, Gateway, in a mock race, with the actual race on the weekend of the Top Gear Festival from June 15-16. -Daily News