F1 in Schools is a multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture) software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature gas powered balsa wood F1 cars.
It is a unique global platform for the promotion of Formula One and partners to a youth market. Teams must raise sponsorship and manage budgets to fund research, travel and accommodation. The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.
The founding constitution of F1 in Schools stipulates that it is, and shall remain, a not-for-profit organisation. Funds raised through sponsorship are invested in administering, developing and expanding the challenge. All income is deployed in accordance with guidelines laid down by Formula One Management.
The Challenge
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Working in teams of between 3 and 6, each student is assigned roles. The team prepares a business plan, develops a budget and raises sponsorship. Teams are encouraged to collaborate with Industry and forge business links.
- Using 3D CAD software, the team designs a Formula One car of the future.
- Aerodynamics are analysed for drag co-efficiency in a virtual reality wind tunnel using Computational Fluid Dynamics Software (CFD)
- Using 3D CAM software, the team evaluates the most efficient machining strategy to make the car.
- Aerodynamics are tested in wind and smoke tunnels.
- The Race is on, at more than 60kph. Cars race side-by-side along 20-metre straights.
- Teams are judged on car speed, as well as supporting evidence of their design, verbal presentation and marketing display stand in ‘‘the pits”.
- Teams compete regionally, nationally and internationally for the Bernie Ecclestone F1 in Schools World Championship.
F1 in Schools at St Christopher’s School, Bahrain
Since September 2008 students aged 11-19 years old have been preparing and developing their team, car and presentations for the School’s competition and the Bahrain Championship. A Bahrain Championship final takes place each year at St Christopher’s School Isa Town site. Teams who have made it to the final will be racing their cars head to head, presenting their teams in displays and verbal presentations. The winner of the F1 in Schools competition and the Bahrain National Champions will be announced during an at St Christopher’s School Isa Town site. The Bahrain Champions are then invited to take part in at World Championship which is held in different places all over the world.
For more information visit www.f1inschools
Sponsorship
If you would like to sponsor this event there are a number of entry levels. Sponsorship can start small by funding resources to run the schools finals and can increase to supporting the Bahrain Champions attempt to participate in the World Championship. Sponsorship can be by services offered, for example painting spraying the team’s cars, offering flights to the world championship venue or printing the teams pit displays. Recognition of your sponsorship will be offered on different levels and your company’s logo can feature on the Bahrain’s Champions racing car, uniforms and literature.
For further information contact the Senior Schools Isa Town site.
Simon Jones, Head of Design and Technology.
What the participants are doing this year:
The participants in the F1 in schools competition have formed their groups and there eighteen teams in the competition. In the first few weeks the competitors completed a registration sheet which has all of their details on. These included their name, nationality, some of their hobbies and interests and what their role in the competition is. The teams have completed the design of their logos, which they painted onto a pit wall for display.
They have started to design their cars in Pro/Desktop taking not of all the necessary measurements, to make sure they were not breaking any of the rules in the car specifications.
Once the teams have completed their car design the schools CNC router will cut out the shape. Students are then allowed to hand finish the surface and paint there team colours onto the models.
The School and Bahrain Final is going to take place on Sunday 7th March 2010. This will be held in the sports hall at the Senior School. Anyone is welcome to come along and watch. The cars will be going at a speed of 60km/h, and they will be racing on a straight 20 meter track. It will be a great experience for everyone to see.
Rania Kamal Year 12