Educators invited to join live launch of F1 in Schools programme
Secondary school STEM teachers are being invited to join Aston University for the live launch of the F1 in Schools programme.
The event on 13 October will see engineering experts from Aston University talking through the multi-disciplinary educational experience based around Formula 1 motor racing and show off the technology and skills behind the programme.
The highly acclaimed STEM programme, F1 in Schools, which has been running for 22 years, has teamed up this year with lecturers and technical staff from Aston University 's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences to create the dedicated academy for young people in the region.
Spanning age ranges of nine to 19, the aim of F1 in Schools is to help change the perceptions of science, technology, engineering and maths by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in engineering, Formula 1, science, marketing and technology.
The Aston University outreach programme will allow secondary school aged pupils in the West Midlands to be supported with expert mentoring, design, manufacturing and testing of CO�2 powered cars. These will then be entered into regional, national and even world finals.
This new hub will provide students with access to equipment and a manufacturing resource for teams taking part in challenge.
Student teams, with support from Aston University, will work on their project management and business plans, sponsorship, marketing, sketching, car design and analysis within their schools, and will then have the opportunity to access the CNC manufacturing equipment and 3D printing technology through planned visits to Aston University.
Students will also have the chance to use test equipment, such as the Air Trace Visualisation System and F1 Race Track, allowing them to test the speed and performance of their finished cars.
Patrick Geoghegan and Reece Lillie, co-coordinators of Aston University 's F1 in Schools Academy, will be available on the evening to talk through how schools within the West Midlands can get involved.
Patrick, deputy programme director in biomedical engineering at Aston University, said: “We are excited to be able to launch the programme and already have about half a dozen schools coming along - but we are keen to get more. The event will give the teachers the chance to ask us questions on how it works, and how we will be able to support them throughout the project.
“F1 in Schools is a great initiative in developing interest in STEM subjects in kids at school. As a lecturer in engineering with a passion for motorsport I think this is a great thing to be involved in. It allows us at Aston University to engage with the community around us and support teachers in developing their students. ”
Mark Wemyss-Holden, F1 in Schools ' UK national project manager, added: “It 's hugely exciting to welcome Aston University to the F1 in Schools family as a fully-equipped F1 in Schools Academy.
“With its reach and influence, we hope to be able to generate even more awareness for the competition in the West Midlands and beyond, as well as offer valuable support and mentoring for teachers and students through the Academy structure.
“Who knows, with a rich engineering history and a wealth of talent in the West Midlands, maybe Aston University can uncover and support the future UK and world champions? ”
The event will be taking place from 5pm and sign up is required by contacting [email protected]
To find out more about taking part, visit the F1 in Schools website here.