The Junior F1inSchools technology challenge is now in its second season and is part of an initiative hosted by Lutterworth Grammar School to increase interest amongst Leicestershire Primary Schools in a design and ICT-based challenge.

Teams of between 3 and 6 students have to design, manufacture and race a CO2-powered car machined from Balsa wood in a series of 3 automatic races and 3 manual races, where a team member’s reaction times are tested against a random countdown. Along with this, teams will need to produce a professional looking portfolio showing a continuous progression throughout their work from design stages right through to painting and finishing their vehicle. For more details on rules and regulations, see the Teachers’ page.

In order for a car to be machined, the design first needs to be inputted into ProDesktop, a very powerful virtual reality modelling program. From here, it can be converted into a FANUC file which will instruct a Microrouter to turn that car into reality. The cars will be machined with the guidance of a highly skilled CAD/CAM technician who will ensure that the cars are manufactured to a high standard. From here, it’s the team’s responsibility to apply the desired graphics and assemble the wheels and axles ready for race day.

This takes place in the summer term at Lutterworth Grammar School, and all teams entered in the competition will be invited to attend the event where they shall be judged according to the marking criteria set out by a panel of skilled judges.

It is hoped that all teams will gain a huge amount from this competition, and we aim to increase the interest in design, technology, and ICT amongst 10-11 year olds by further developing their skills and encouraging them to take part in this exciting and prospering challenge.