Engineering gets the green flag in schools’ racing challenge

Year 10 pupils from schools in Southampton, Eastleigh and Tadley designed and tested a Greenpower Goblin racing car supervised by students from the University's School of Engineering Sciences.

"The Greenpower Challenge aimed to get pupils aged 14 and 15 to think about engineering as a career," says Charlotte Everitt, Outreach and Partnership Officer at the University of Southampton.

"They are introduced to the possibilities of ‘green' energy and the technical aspects of building a racing car, having the chance to modify and design their own 24-volt electric motor car."

Teams from eight schools competed in time trials and slalom races over three days at Southampton Sports Centre for a place in the grand final. Pupils from the following schools will be participated:

• Quilley School of Engineering
• Bitterne Park Secondary School
• St George Catholic College
• Upper Shirley High
• Woodlands Community College
• Crestwood College for Business and Enterprise
• Hurst Community College
• St Anne's Catholic School

Now in its fourth year, the event coincides with National Science and Engineering Week, and is part of the University's Sustainable Energy Scheme.

The scheme offers pupils from schools across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight the opportunity to find out more about science, technology and engineering, and what it is like to study at university. Undergraduate mentors work with pupils on activities and workshops in their schools and at the Highfield campus.  They can also communicate via blogs co-ordinated by the University in partnership with BrightsideUNIAID.

Charlotte adds: "The Sustainable Energy Scheme and Greenpower Challenge offer Year 10 pupils an exciting opportunity to find out more about engineering careers and gain a unique insight into life as a university student."

For more information on the University's National Science and Engineering Week, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/scienceweek