F1 in Schools is a competition, open to all secondary schools, to design and manufacture racing cars powered by compressed air canisters. Student teams compete against each other in a National Championship to determine the best-engineered and fastest car in Ireland.

The Irish Computer Society established F1 in Schools in Ireland in 2006 in response to a recognised skills shortage in the Computing field, with technology courses experiencing a drop-off of 75% in CAO application numbers since 2000.

The F1 in Schools Challenge has gone a long way towards correcting inaccurate perceptions of technology by creating a practical and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in this sector. The Challenge is also the perfect preparation for the t4 Technology Subjects being offered at Leaving Certificate level in Irish secondary schools.

The students' 25cm long model F1 cars start life as simple balsa wood blocks and are transformed into slick racers through students' use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and collaboration with third level institutions. By visiting the institutions for design tutorials and to see their cars being made and tested, students gain a valuable insight into technology choices at third level. All participating schools also receive free CAD software.

Each team presents a design portfolio or website, including initial ideas, design development and evidence of testing, along with a short presentation to the judging panel. The quality of these presentations, along with the race times, determines the winner. The Irish National Champions then qualify to compete at the World Championships where teams from around the world vie for the coveted Bernie Ecclestone trophy.

This exciting competition will expose students to 3D modelling, virtual wind tunnels, working in teams, graphic design, project management, fund raising, computer-aided manufacturing, website design and is designed to encourage interest in the broader Science, Engineering and Technology areas.

For information on the F1 in Schools project contact:

Tel: 01 775 3003

Email: f1@ics.ie

Web: www.F1inSchools.ie