Grade Sevens gear up for race day
100 learners, from more than 10 schools in the Greater Durban will take part in the Mahle School Challenge.
THE MAHLE School Challenge takes place on Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23 at Hillcrest Primary School.
MAHLE Behr South Africa, an international automotive component manufacturer, highlights the fun of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The challenge is aimed at promoting an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), coupled with design and marketing skills.
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Jolene Van Heerden, communications manager for MAHLE Behr South Africa (PTY) Ltd, said this year will see the third rendition of the MAHLE Schools Challenge which proved to be popular in 2019 and 2022.
According to Van Heerden, the objective of the challenge is to create an interest in STEM subjects among Grade Seven learners.
“As the world becomes more reliant on technology, so it is important that we prepare our children to become problem solvers in fun and exciting ways.”
Recently, a holiday workshop was held to prepare the Grade Seven learners for this challenge.
There will be groups of six learners who will collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature, compressed, air-powered paper vehicles down a 20m track.
“During the process, learners gain knowledge of aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding and graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership and, teamwork and then apply them in a practical, imaginative and competitive way. MAHLE hosts the event which actively promotes the fields of maths and science and provides better access to quality learning resources.
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“Approximately 100 learners, from more than 10 schools in the Greater Durban/Hillcrest areas, have been given the opportunity to test their skills. Team members are assigned roles and responsibilities that include project manager, engineer, manufacturing engineer, designer and, sponsorship and marketing,” said Van Heerden.
The end result will be a paper car attached to the track by means of a tether line (fishing line) with a CO2 Cylinder inserted into the car’s ‘engine housing’. This is then attached to a launching mechanism that will ‘pop’ the cylinder and which propels the car down the track with the average time for completion being just over a second.
“We are encouraged by the interest that the challenge inspires in STEM. It also offers an opportunity for learners who may not normally have access to the disciplines required to demonstrate their creative skills in a fun and competitive manner,” added Van Heerden.
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