STEM is paramount. It’s the underpinning of manufacturing, food production, health care, and so much more that frankly, we might take for granted, but surely can’t live without. STEM education (which refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is usually presented through hands-on and relevant real-world learning experiences.
F1 in Schools is an international STEM competition for school children (aged 11–19), where groups of 3–6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature car to race down a 20metre straight powered by a CO2 canister. I have been a part of this life-changing experience in the team Golden Motorsports and I have loved every single moment of it.
The vision and mission of F1 in Schools is to offer a way to learn STEM-related subjects in an exciting manner. It is a learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in engineering, Formula 1, science, marketing, and technology. There have already been many success stories with people who have come through the competition and have gone on to achieve significant outcomes in their lives including positions in Formula 1 teams. Andrew Denford, founder of F1 in Schools said, "The STEM subjects will be key components in steering us through the great challenges the world faces".
This promotion and education of STEM is so important as it teaches critical thinking skills and instils a passion for innovation. This is rarely seen or taught in normal school classes. There is freedom in the learning, and you aren't just restricted to set topics in a textbook. Beyond the benefit of learning science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM assists in the problem-solving and exploratory learning that fuel success across a variety of tasks and disciplines. In my experience of F1 in schools, I gained so many skills varying from a greater understanding of aerodynamics to improving my interpersonal skills and improving work ethic. It gave me the best opportunity to develop myself as an individual and aid me in the future with my career of being an automotive engineer. STEM enabled me to pursue my dreams.
In a traditional school curiculum, the learning is primarily based on theory and memorising facts. Since the information learnt, is not taught to be applied, students commonly forget and what they learn becomes pointless. However, implementing STEM can avoid this issue and improve schooling. With a focus on more hands-on learning STEM results in making school subjects more work relevant. Feranmi Akodu, a student who partcipates in a STEM activity also agrees saying "If STEM was more widespread, our learning would be more useful". It would challenge students to think critically and come up with their own solutions, empowering innovation.
Overall STEM and F1 in schools were crucial for me and all others that participate. The project gave me so many lessons and experiences that will aid me in the future with my career of being an automotive engineer. STEM enabled me to pursue my dreams.
To learn more about F1 in Schools and Golden Motorsports you can visit the websites: https://www.f1inschools.co.uk/
https://www.goldenmotorsports.co.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here