F1 Challenge

F1 Challenge, from the Centre for Science Education, is a set of teaching materials which offer a cross-curricular approach to learning about engineering. Students build and modify a model F1 car based on ideas used for the F1 in Schools competitions. These ideas can be used as a stand-alone engineering based project.

The F1 in Schools technology challenge involves the construction and testing of a scale model of an F1 car powered by compressed gas. Students used Computer Aided Design and then 3D CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) software to make the car.

Teachers' notes and the starter activity are included. Note that the web address for the F1 Challenge should be: http://www.f1inschools.co.uk. This site provides the latest information about the challenge and the resources available to schools. Video clips that might be used in the starter activity are available from this web site.

Starter activity
* Built for speed? Or acceleration?

Technology
* Designing and building a model car
* Team marketing product

Science
* Acceleration and friction
* Simulating acceleration

Mathematics
* Kinetic Energy
* Distance-time graphs; Force, mass and acceleration

Cross-curricular activities
* Automotive careers
* Streamlining
* Building a team
* Rocket propulsion.