Teams of between three to five students from Years 7-12 will use real world Three Dimensional CAD/CAM technologies to design, test, manufacture and race miniature CO2-powered balsa wood F1 cars.
Students use the same technology as currently used by the real F1 teams and vehicle manufacturers to design, make, market and test and race their miniature F1 style cars. The gas-powered cars are capable of speeds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour and can cover the track in less than 1.5 seconds.
Teams will be assessed by 10 independent judges against set criteria including engineering and manufacturing, car speed, portfolio design, project management, marketing and branding, industry collaboration and verbal presentations.
While the focus of the competition is the engineering and manufacturing of the cars the underlying learning of the program is about communication, collaboration, teamwork and innovation ... and it's all done in a fun learning environment.
Bell Bay Aluminium, in partnership with Re-Engineering Australia, established this innovative program in Tasmania in 2007 as a way of introducing Tasmanian students to the world of STEM and the career opportunities stEM can provide for boys and girls.
The competition is the largest secondary school technology program in the world. Tasmanian schools have a strong history of success in the program at a national and international level.
Winners for 2017 will be announced from 4pm on Thursday 14 September following the completion of the competition.
The winning teams will represent Tasmania at the National Finals to be held in Launceston, Tasmania from 4-9th March 2018. This will be the first time the National Finals have been held in Tasmania.