Teams from around Tasmania will compete in Launceston on Tuesday 27 November in the F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge Tasmanian Final. Competing schools include Kings Meadows, Riverside and Queechy High Schools, East Launceston Primary School and St Brendan Shaw College.
Managed in Australia by the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation, the F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge is the world’s largest and most technically complex science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) competition.
In 2007 in partnership with Bell Bay Aluminium, REA established this innovative program in Tasmania as a way of introducing students to the world of STEM. In 2018, TasNetworks has joined the partnership to collaborate and establish a hub school in Hobart and co-present with Bell Bay Aluminium the F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge Tasmanian Final.
Teams of between three to five students from Years 6 -12 use real world Three Dimensional CAD/CAM technologies to design, test, manufacture and race miniature CO2-powered balsa wood F1 cars.
Using the same technology as currently used by the real F1 teams and vehicle manufacturers the gas-powered cars are capable of speeds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour and can cover the track in less than 1.5 seconds.
But the worldwide competition is not just about fast cars. F1 in Schools™ is a holistic action learning program which focuses on developing long term employability skills.
“This challenge goes beyond the required engineering prowess. Students have honed their skills in areas such as leadership, team building, project management, public speaking, marketing and collaboration,” Lou Clark, Principal Advisor, Communities and Communication, Bell Bay Aluminium said.
“These teams have spent many hours in and out of school time designing, building, and testing their miniature F1 cars. It is sure to be an exciting and fun day for all involved.”
Bell Bay Aluminium and TasNetworks have worked collaboratively within their hub regions to mentor and guide the students in all aspects of the program, leading to a diverse and engaged student network.
“This exciting program continues to provide Tasmanian students with a unique opportunity to build valuable skills in a supportive and safe environment” TasNetworks Talent Team Leader, Kylie Cashion said.
“The skills and knowledge learned through this program may lead to future ambitions for these students and we’re proud to have had the opportunity to support those involved.”
Teams will be assessed against set criteria by an independent and experienced panel of judges from Bell Bay Aluminium, TasNetworks, The Action Learning Institute and the University of Tasmania’s Peter Underwood Centre.
The winning teams from Tasmania will go on to compete in the National Final early next year in the hope of representing Australia at the 2019 World Final. Tasmanian schools have a strong history of success in the program at a national and international level.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Tuesday 27 November, 2018, Tailrace Centre, Riverside
Judging and racing will commence from 9am and conclude at 3.30pm with presentations from 4pm.
Media are invited to attend at any time during the day.
For further information, please contact:
Lou Clark
Principal Advisor, Communities and Communication
Bell Bay Aluminium
Mobile: +61 (0) 419 326 023