Pupils accelerate towards engineering careers through electric car challenge
Aberdeen pupils teamed up with ICR Group to prove they have designs on life in the fast lane.
Bucksburn Academy took part in a science and engineering project supported by ICR. The initiative was run by the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK charity which aims to get young people enthusiastic about the sector by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.
ICR supplied a carbon fibre body kit to make the kart more streamlined, lightweight and more aesthetically pleasing. Other companies contributed equipment, components and advice in what was a real team effort.
Ryan Crabb, key account manager, ICR Group, attended the school over five afternoons, plus three working days in the ICR Aberdeen workshop fabricating the composite plates to ensure they fitted the kit car.
He said: “This was a hugely worthwhile project for ICR to be involved in. The students were very proactive in coming up with ideas on how to make the car faster and were so eager to learn about all the processes required.
“The pupils mixed the resins, spread it on to the carbon fibre cloth and applied it to the car themselves, learning and following all the necessary safety procedures. They were keen to understand how it goes from a pliable material to a solid plate and how strong it actually was.”
The next step was a hugely competitive race, held at the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford. The Bucksburn Academy pupils won the ‘Best Portfolio Award’ and ‘The Spirit of Green Power Award’.
Ryan added: It was great to see their interest piqued. We’re delighted to have helped inspire the next generation.” Greenpower Education Trust is a UK charity with an outstanding track record in kick starting careers in engineering. It inspires young people around the world to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a unique challenge: to design, build and race an electric car. This helps unlock potential and spark enthusiasm for STEM through the excitement of motorsport.
