SCHOOLS from across the Hunter have battled it out for the right to represent the region in the state finals of one of Australia’s unique car races.
The 20 teams were required to design and make their miniature race car using the latest design and computer-controlled machining technologies.
Students who competed in the day-long show-down at the University of Newcastle on Thursday were not only judged on the speed of their cars but on their presentation skills, scientific reasoning and their ability to gain corporate sponsorship.
The F1 in Schools Technology Challenge is the world’s largest secondary school technology program. It involves more than nine million students from 17,000 schools in 31 nations.
Regional Development Australia maths and engineering program manager Ashley Cox said students who participated in the F1 competition were more likely to choose maths and science careers.
‘‘As careers become more focused on technology our region will require a workforce with these skills and the competition is all about giving students experiences that will influence their career decisions for the future,’’ he said.
View the Newcastle Herald story http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3326211/students-race-for-f1-tech-challenge/