Editor's Choice


Search is on for SA schools to take F1 challenge to the world

7 September 2016 Editor's Choice News

Sangari South Africa, a provider of learning solutions, has launched the ‘F1 in Schools Technology Challenge’ 2016 race season in its search for a team to represent South Africa at the World Finals in 2017. The aim is for learners between the ages of 11 and 19 to design, manufacture and race their own miniature Formula One cars.

The F1 in Schools Technology Challenge has become well-known worldwide as an educational competition that actively promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). There are over 44 countries participating, making it a prestigious and fun event where the value of learning is showing exceptional results.

Pieter du Plessis, F1 in Schools programme manager at Sangari, said teams of three to six students are formed, a team name selected and students assigned their roles. Teams wanting to participate in the regional competition register their team and seek sponsorship to compete. The process follows the same process as a real Formula One team.

“The programme develops a true entrepreneurial spirit in students. They are required to prepare a business plan, do research and build links with industry to gain sponsorship. Students gain first-hand experience in marketing and accounting, needing to provide a complete portfolio as part of the competition,” he said.

“Registration for the programme is free for all schools in South Africa,” said Bez Sangari, MD of Sangari South Africa. “The F1 competition focuses on blended learning through a cross curricula approach where learners physically apply what is learnt in the classroom. The true value lies in how learners take ownership of their own learning.

“What makes the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge different is that it entails a comprehensive and inclusive learning approach. Learners engage with subjects that improve their literacy, numeracy, sport and sports science, design and technology, art and design, textiles knowledge, STEM learning, computing, and business and enterprise.”

Attending the launch were the Team Group 6 Lab girls from Aurora Girls High School, pictured here together with Pule Kgaboe, head of the school’s science and technology department.
Attending the launch were the Team Group 6 Lab girls from Aurora Girls High School, pictured here together with Pule Kgaboe, head of the school’s science and technology department.

The programme focuses on using ELT (experiential learning theory) as an approach where learners go through the physical experiences themselves. In their teams they are faced with challenges, victories, planning and obstacles that need to be overcome to succeed. This teaches teamwork and develops communication along with leadership skills from a young age.

Using 3D CAD software, they design a car based on the specifications set by the international rules committee and use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to analyse their car designs. Using 3D CAM software, the teams evaluate the most efficient machining strategy to make their cars.

Schools gain the benefit of the blended learning process, and teams that are set on competing are encouraged to obtain sponsorship. Opportunities exist for sponsors to display their logos on team cars at events, while primary sponsors will have exposure on the F1 in Schools website and at race events.

The teams wishing to enter the official competitions on regional, provincial, national or international level would have to source sponsorships as these have different entry costs. Teams would also need to source sponsorship for manufacturing cars which vary from the manufacturing centre they use.

Other costs that teams need to consider are the branding of team uniforms, creating and printing pit displays, printing portfolios, travel and accommodation. The teams do this by providing sponsor branding exposure on their pit displays, portfolios, team uniforms, presentations and racing cars. Sponsors are often companies in close proximity to the school and the added benefit is that graduates from the school are absorbed into the organisation, thereby ensuring a viable return on their investment.

For more information contact Pieter Du Plessis, +27 (0)11 466 1440, [email protected], http://sangarisa.co.za/f1-in-schools





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Potential risks of plasma treatment on PCBs
MyKay Tronics Editor's Choice
Plasma treatment involves exposing PCBs to an ionised gas, known as plasma, but despite many advantages, several risks must be managed to ensure safe and effective plasma application in EMS.

Read more...
X-band radar
RF Design Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
X-band radar systems, particularly those leveraging beamforming ICs (BFICs), advanced gallium nitride (GaN) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) components, are leading the way in providing the high-performance radar capabilities required for modern defence and surveillance.

Read more...
LED driver for industrial power supply indication
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection
A simple and small solution for driving an LED to provide visual feedback in the presence/absence of a system’s power using a chip not originally designed for this purpose.

Read more...
Case Study: Siemens Valor automation solution
ASIC Design Services Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Electronics manufacturer BMK used Siemens Valor to enhance accuracy and speed up bill-of-materials quotations.

Read more...
Four ways to enhance IoT battery performance using emulation software
Concilium Technologies Editor's Choice
Battery life affects the cost and reliability of IoT-based infrastructure and is a key purchasing consideration for consumer electronic IoT devices.

Read more...
NuWave Technologies: Excellence in electronic component procurement
NuWave Technologies Editor's Choice
Based in Randburg, Gauteng, NuWave Technologies is built on core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, and service excellence.

Read more...
Arduino platform with Analog Devices technology for flexible industrial control
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice DSP, Micros & Memory
Software-configurable systems enable industrial OEMs to deliver unprecedented flexibility to the factory floor, while simplifying product complexity.

Read more...
Accelerating RF PCB design in a 5G world
ASIC Design Services Editor's Choice Design Automation
Billions of IoT devices coming online in the coming years will require RF design capabilities that support ultra-fast 5G speeds.

Read more...
Achieving lowest cost, scalable and dynamic wireless mesh network installations
CST Electronics Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
In many situations it is desirable for sensors to be connected wirelessly in a mesh network as this saves infrastructure and cost since long cabling runs are not required.

Read more...
Residues on PCBs – Causes and remedial measures
Electronic Industry Supplies Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Soldering with wire and iron leaves process judgments up to individual operators, and can produce a wide variety of defects, scrap, or long-term quality issues.

Read more...