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| F1 in Schools |
 F1 in Schools The Formula One Technology Challenge Why F1 in Schools? F1 in Schools is a competition that is open to all SA based secondary schools and colleges. The F1 Teams have to design and manufacture compact gas cylinder powered model racing cars. To determine the best engineered and fastest car in the competition, the student teams compete against each other in a national championship. What is the Purpose? The F1 in Schools competition exists to raise the profile of engineering across schools and colleges around the world. CAD/CAM, CNC and VR systems are widely used in the manufacturing industry, which is why it is so important for the engineers and designers of the future to get to grips with it early on. Students using CAD/CAM, CNC and VR software are able to design, test, analyse and manufacture their own creations using the very latest technology. Primarily, F1 in Schools provides students with an ideal opportunity to experience the very latest developments in manufacturing technology.
F1 and the Curriculum F1 Team in Schools Design Challenge and the Outcomes Based Education System While it is true that scientists, researchers, and engineers are the backbone of knowledge-based economies and that without them we would not have the worldwide web or many other advances we take for granted in our lives, the world is failing to cope with the booming demand in these disciplines. This has become a global issue and South Africa is not spared at all in this crisis. Indeed, there is a perception that science is becoming unpopular subject with students and this has raised fears that we could run out of scientists. It might be that students are either less interested in science or less academically equipped to pursue such paths as their career. With this in mind, F1 Teams in Schools was introduced in schools to motivate learners. Formula 1 in schools and The National Curriculum Statement It is an outcomes based educational program that provides a unique opportunity for building 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. How to get Involved To get involved and to benefit from the free software, schools need to register for the competition. The school then receives the licensed Siemens PLM Solid Edge 3D Modeling computer assisted design (CAD) software package, the exact same professional package used in the industry today, as well as the Pathtrace EdgeCAM software, together they are a powerful modeling and manufacturing tool. ESTEQ supplies the Siemens PLM Solid Edge 3D Modeling CAD software, valid for one year. After training has been done, and with the support of a nominated higher education institution, teachers and team members learn how to produce 3D models of racing cars. Once the design has been completed, the electronic file can be sent to a manufacturing center for machining on a Denford CNC Router. It is then returned to the F1 team in the school where it is must be painted and the wheels assembled. Next the racing commences, first at schools and local institutions level and then onto provincial and national championships. The winning team will have the opportunity to represent South Africa in the World Championship Apart from sponsoring the CAD software, some of the engineers at ESTEQ are involved in this competition by mentoring a team. To find out more about the competition or if you are interested in mentoring a team, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it via e-mail or phone him on (012) 809 9500. For more information on the Rules & Regulations of the competition, as well as scheduled Events, visit the F1 in Schools web-site. |