Kart racing challenge promotes interest in science

CREATIVITY was the order of the day at the MAHLE school challenge that was held at Hillcrest Primary School recently. The school hall was turned into a kart racing track as learners from various schools showcased how fast their paper-made racing cars could race against each other.

The challenge that was entered by about 100 learners from about 10 schools was aimed at promoting an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), coupled with design and marketing skills.

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With a team made up of six learners, each team member had a specific task that they had to complete, starting in February/March until the day of the competition. The end result was 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 was then attached to a launching mechanism that would ‘pop’ the cylinder and which propelled the car down the track with the average time for completion being just over a second.

Speaking to the Highway Mail on the day of the competition, the team from Hillcrest Primary said they were so thrilled to see the outcome of their joint efforts. “We had no idea where to start, but things seemed possible as we started. We had to do presentations for sponsors, and we were rejected on our first attempt, but everything turned out perfectly. We have a team manager, sponsorship manager, manufacturing manager, graphic designer, design engineer and marketing manager. Each role was really helpful in creating what we see here,” said team manager Ruan Coertse.

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The team from Atholl Heights said they are just as thrilled and pleased with their work. “This was indeed a challenge, and we learnt a lot during the process, from setting up the theme of our projects to seeing our car on the kart racing track. We are grateful to our teachers and our sponsors who even came out to support us during the race,” said team manager Alexandra Houghton.

Jolene Van Heerden, communications manager for MAHLE Behr South Africa (PTY) Ltd, said, “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.”

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