Welcome to f1inschools.org.za
The F1 Team in Schools Challenge is a competition, open to
all SA based secondary schools and colleges, to design and
manufacture compact gas cylinder powered model racing cars.
Student teams will compete against each other in a national
championship to determine the best engineered and fastest car in
SA. It's just like being in a real Formula One team. The
competition is run by Sangari Institute - a not-for-profit organisation established with committed partners
to provide an exciting yet challenging educational experience through the magnetic
appeal of Formula One. F1 in Schools is rapidly realising its potential of becoming
the only truly global educational program that raises awareness
of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) among students and school children
in every region, in every country, on every continent.
Spanning age ranges of 9 to19 its main objective is to help change
perceptions of engineering, science and technology by creating
a fun and exciting learning environment for young people
to develop an informed view about careers in engineering,
Maths, science, marketing and technology.
www.sangariinstitute.org.za
F1 and the Curriculum
F1 Team in Schools Design Challenge and the Outcomes Based
Education System
Scientists, researchers, and engineers
are the backbone of any knowledge-based economy - without
them we would not have the worldwide web, mobile phones, cars and consumer
electronics, to name but a few. Yet there is a drastic shortage of skills for these
important disciplines. This has become a global issue and South Africa is no
exception.
It seems that science is becoming increasingly unpopular with students -
this gives raise for real concern that we could run out of scientists in the very near
future.
Either students are less interested in science or they lack the academic credentials
to pursue these exciting career paths. With this in mind,the F1 in Schools
Technology Challenge was introduced to attract and motivate learners.
Formula 1 in schools and The National Curriculum Statement
It is an outcomes based educational program providing an
unique opportunity for the creation of practical links between
education and industry. The program encourages students to
design and manufacture carbon dioxide powered model racing
cars, a process that blends well with a cross-curricula activity
to satisfy many of the requirements laid down in the Learning
areas of the National Curriculum Statement.
The Challenge Process
To get involved and to benefit from the free software schools
need to register for the Challenge. Upon registration, participating
schools will receive Industry-leading CAD/CAM (computer assisted design/
computer assisted manufacturing) and 3D Modeling software licenses for
up to 300 users (for educational Use) This software is the same professional
package used in the industry today - it is in fact a powerful modeling and manufacturing
tool with commercial value over R60 000. Once the software is installed,
the teacher and learners can follow on-line tutorials, and, with the
support of a nominated higher education institution, they learn
to produce 3D models of racing cars for their teams. The 3D
models can then be further analyzed in the Virtual Wind Tunnel, if available,
and a simulated machining process can be seen using the software.
Once the design is completed, the electronic file is ready to
be sent to a manufacturing center for machining on a Denford
CNC Router. The unfinished car is returned to the school's F1 team,
where the final assembly takes place - paint-work, assembly of
wheels and branding (ensuring the sponsor's logos are visible).
Then the racing commences, first at schools / local institution
level, then progressing via provincial to national championships. The
National Champions and Runners-Up will have the opportunity to
represent South Africa in a prestigious World Championship event,
which takes place in a different location around the world annually.
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