Ten students from March CE Primary school, in England,
participated in the Greenpower IET Formula Goblin competition this year. In this
program, 9-11 year old students build and race miniature electric cars so they
can learn engineering skills in a fun and innovative way. The difference this
year is that Rolls-Royce sponsored “Team March.”
March Primary school is just right around the corner from the
Rolls-Royce HQ in Goodwood, UK, and the racing competition is held on the
Goodwood Motor Circuit. Team March’s support from Rolls-Royce helped them win
the ‘Best Bodywork’ prize, as well as provide them with custom racing suits
made in their leather working department. The team also enjoyed a tour of the
Rolls-Royce factory and Rolls engineers consulted them when constructing the
electric car.
The race car itself is kit-based and comes in a flat box
with step by step instructions so the children can easily understand. The
overall project integrates areas like friction, electricity, materials, math
and design technology so kids can be fully immersed in a taste of real-world
engineering and automotives. The project also encourages parental participation
and support from local businesses to help the project both practically and
financially.
