Learners build mini F1 speedster

A TEAM of Eden College learners have been selected to take part in F1 in Schools, a global competition that aims to inspire and educate young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The Eden College team will take part in the South African regional finals on September 1 in Hillcrest.

Team manager Dhruv Shah explained that the competition entails building a miniature F1 car which they will race against other schools. Made from paper and cardboard, the car is fueled by a Co2 canister which propels it forward.

“On race day, we will receive a Co2 canister which we will place in the car. When gas is released, it pushes the car forward,” said Dhruv.

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Learners are given a basic template for the design, and only minor modifications are allowed. They must design and build the car to withstand the track – and complete the circuit in the fastest time.

“It’s going well, we are working as a team and everything is coming together. I think we have a chance of winning,” said Dhruv.

In addition to building their F1 car, learners are tasked with creating a pit display, complete with posters and a logo for their car. The Eden College team selected a black logo with green letters to represent their brand, Matrix Mechanics.

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Through the project, learners make use of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“In terms of science, we have to think of how aerodynamic the design is and how the car would move in different scenarios. We used mathematics as we had to measure the car and ensure it fits the rules and regulations. It was a challenge – it took a while – we had many prototypes. This one seems to be working,” he said.