Engineering gets the green flag in schools' racing challenge
Teams from Hampshire schools will be competing to qualify for pole position in the University of Southampton's Greenpower Challenge next week (15-19 March).
Year 10 pupils from schools in Southampton, Eastleigh and Tadley will design and test a Greenpower Goblin racing car supervised by students from the University's School of Engineering Sciences.
"The Greenpower Challenge aims 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 will compete in time trials and slalom races over three days at Southampton Sports Centre for a place in the grand final on Friday 19 March. Pupils from the following schools will be participating:
* 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."
The University's National Science and Engineering Week activities launch with a Science and Engineering Day for families at the Highfield campus on Saturday 13 March. For more information, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/scienceweek
Notes for editors
Since 1999, Greenpower has been promoting engineering as a rewarding career to anyone aged 9-25, while also focusing on sustainability, teamwork and the community. The annual Corporate Challenge provides an opportunity for companies to get involved and compete against school teams. Following the design and build of an electric racing car, at all levels the project culminates in events at well-known venues such as Goodwood, whether it is a driving skills test for primary schools or the unique four hour endurance race for older students and corporate teams. www.greenpower.co.uk