F1 Challenge 2008

The F1 Challenge for schools was held in the Glasgow Science Centre on Tuesday 11 November. Harris had two teams entered. Senior pupils were entered in the class for an R-type car which tries to follow the design principles of an F1 car. A group of under-14 pupils were involved in the D-type class aiming to produce a dragster style car.

The senior pupils have provided the following report of the event:

Class R

On the 11^th November 2008 our f1 in schools team, ‘F1 Flyers’ travelled to Glasgow science centre to compete in the regional final of the f1 in schools challenge. As a team we had to design and create a miniature formula 1 car made out of balsa wood which would be raced against other schools from Scotland. In addition to making the car we were required to produce a portfolio of our design process including our CAD drawings and types of merchandise we produced or purchased.

On the day, we set up our stand, displaying our cars, portfolio and merchandise as well as posters of our car. We then presented our portfolio to two judges before racing our car against another school. Both the speed of the car as well as the reaction time of our starter was taken in to account. After doing this we had time to observe other team’s stands, cars and merchandise, seeing areas we could improve on ourselves. With hours to spare we left our stand to go and enjoy the science centre itself.

The award ceremony took place around 3 o’clock. Unfortunately our team did not win anything, but we took pride in knowing that we were a completely new team, and most of the other teams had been preparing for years. Although we travelled home empty handed, the day still remained a success. We all LOVED the experience and would so totally recommend it!

Gordon “Nah, it’ll be fine…”

Grant “WELL DO SOME WORK THEN!”

Kawther *laughs*

Louise “I’m just so EXCITED!”

Stuart “Will I just keep sanding?”

An extensive gallery of pics of the event can be viewed on pages 2 and 3.