STEM subjects among secondary school students were promoted last week at the F1 in Schools World Finals in Austin, TX, USA last week. Teams from 22 countries competed in a scaled Formula One race from the design, construction and presentation of their scale-model replica cars.
The global event aims to encourage students to use IT to learn about subjects including physics, aerodynamics, marketing and financial strategy in a “fun and exciting learning environment”.
Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of F1 in Schools said: “I’m always blown away by the professionalism, innovation, engineering capabilities and overall dedication shown by the World Finals teams.”
“But it is not only the academic excellence that we have seen at the World Finals,” he added. “F1 in Schools changes lives around the world and these boys and girls will have formed friendships which will last a lifetime.”
A1 Racing from Australia were the 2013 champions
Over 300 students on 38 teams made it to the World Finals after winning national country competitions. They were in Austin to race for a glass Bernie Ecclestone World Champions trophy and a Motorsport and Automotive Engineering Scholarship to City University London.
Using 3D computer design software and engineering processes students created a 21 cm long scale car based on the same specifications of Formula One cars. Cars were raced down a 20 metre track in just over one second.
In order to compete, students aged between 9-19 must form teams of 3-6 people. International teams can also be formed among members from different successful country teams.
A1 Racing, a team of six students from Queensland and Victoria in Australia were the 2013 champions.
“We can’t believe we won, it’s just amazing,” said Jacqueline Cunninghame A1 Racing team manager. “There were so many good teams, it was really tough, so we’re really happy to have won this. It means everything to us.”
A non-profit organisation, F1 in Schools says all funds raised through sponsorship are invested in administering, developing and expanding the challenge.
