Budding young engineers at Sheringham Primary School are gearing up to take part in a series of Formula One-style events, after building a pair of electric go karts from a flat-packed kit.
The Year 6 youngsters, who are members of an after school science, technology, engineering and maths club (STEM) run by teachers John Perrem and Paul Rundle, assembled the cars as part of a UK-wide project run by Greenpower Educational Trust, which aims to promote engineering as a career choice for young people, advance education in sustainable engineering and technology, and link education, industry and communities through engineering projects.
After taking delivery of two £1500 kits, STEM club members set to work on their cars, putting in late evening shifts to get them ready in time for an IET Formula Goblin race day due to be held at Scottow Enterprise Park, near Norwich, on June 7.
The event, which is the first of its kind in the county, will see youngsters from 30 Norfolk primary schools compete against each other in their self-built, battery-powered cars.
Race entrants will also have to put together a portfolio showing how they went about building their vehicles and will have a chance to win prizes for categories including best team work and best body work.
Year 6 teacher Mr Perrem thanked all those who helped with the cars, including parents, staff and RAF engineer Flt Sgt Nigel Brady, who gave advice on wiring.
He said the project, which was funded by Sheringham Shoal Community Fund, with contributions from Mackinnon Construction, Tony Larner Accountants and Sheringham Primary Friends group, had involved a large amount of teamwork, also testing pupils' problem-solving skills and giving them a chance to follow technical drawings and use tools.
'It has been a fantastic opportunity for them,' Mr Perrem added. 'Particularly because, as a school, we try to work to foster engineering and maths, especially with girls as they are under-represented in those subjects,' At the end of the summer term, STEM club members will dismantle the cars, ready for next year's Year 6 group to rebuild them.
For more about the IET electric car scheme, which is also open to high school students, visit www.greenpower.co.uk
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