What is the F1 in Schools Primary STEM Project?

​The Primary STEM Project gives schools the chance to apply real life skills in the classroom. The project is targeted towards elementary aged students to get them excited for STEM! By working individually, in pairs, or as a team, students can develop their talents to design, make, test a model car and then race their finished models on a 10 meter track.

Students start the process by folding a prestamped paper chassis cutout to make a standard 3D racing car with wheels and axles.

Following research, they will design and make a body shell to create their own miniature race car and go on to test its aerodynamic qualities, using the launch system and roll-out race track, then re-evaluate their designs, to produce a winning car!

Design - Make - Race: How it Works

BUILD A CAR CHASSIS

Students start the process by folding a prestamped chassis net, closely following the instructions provided, ​to make a basic 3D racing car, to which they add wheels and axles.

DESIGN / BUILD A CAR BODYSHELL

​Following research, students go on to design, make and decorate a bodyshell  to create their own miniature racing car, using the template provided with the instruction sheet. Their research will be based on scientific knowledge on subjects such as air resistance, gravity and air pressure, which are incorporated into our free of charge Fact/ Activity sheets.

Construct the chassis

 
 

LET'S RACE

Once the cars are finished, students are able to test the aerodynamic qualities of their designs, using the Launch System and Race Track to race their cars. ​In this exciting stage of the project, students get to see how their ideas and designs shape up against others.  It’s not just about winning, but about:

  • Seeing ideas come to life

  • Learning how to modify and improve designs

  • Developing sportsmanship

TEST EVALUATE & MODIFY

After racing, students can start to think about how they could improve their designs to produce an even faster car! They need to consider what forces are acting on the car when it races down the track - helping them to make informed decisions on the shape, size and weight of their car and how these will affect its performance.

What students will learn…

  • Science applied to the real world

  • The process: Research, Design, Make, Test, Modify, Race

  • Teamwork

  • How to closely follow instructions

  • Speaking and listening skills

  • Recognising personal strengths and strengths in others

Resources and Activities

The Primary STEM Project brings real-life applications of STEM to your classroom in a fun and exciting way. Classroom Activity Sheets are to inspire students and help them develop their STEM skills through practical, hands-on activities, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, communication, confidence and teamwork. Kits and Equipment are sold via our online store.

Ready to start the Primary STEM Project in your classroom? Affiliate today to gain access to the Team Portal to download units of work, worksheets, and more.

 

Are your students ready for something more?

Are your students in middle or high school and ready to take on the F1 in Schools competitive challenge? Learn more about the F1 in Schools competition for Development and Professional Class teams where students form a team and build their own mock race team so they can compete at Regional Finals, National Finals, and even at the World Finals!