Science: Unlocking Potential

Dr Caroline Oprandi Keeping you up to date with science and technology at PACA

We are off to a flying start at PACA STEM centre. All of the KS3 pupils are busy designing the bodywork for the Greenpower car. It will then be decided via a competition which team will have their model design selected for the real thing. Greenpower is an initiative where school children from all over the country get to design, build and race an electric powered race car. Last year the International Final was held at Goodwood. The Greenpower car arrives as a kit and various school children during PACA’s STEM afterschool club have been constructing the backbones of the car. We are very lucky that Ricardo engineering have offered their support to this project.

Also, I recently met with the Dean of the College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences from the University of Brighton, Professor Andrew Lloyd. He had heard all about the fantastic opportunities that we are giving the pupils at Portslade and has kindly offered his support to PACA’s STEM centre.
Not one to miss an opportunity, I quickly asked Andrew if we could use their 3D printers to print out the winning Greenpower car design. University of Brighton have an excellent engineering department and Andrew has agreed that we can also use their wind tunnel in order to assess the final aerodynamics of the design. What better way is there to teach kids aerodynamics, forces and speed; inspiring both boys and girls to take an interest in physics and engineering? The pupils will also get the opportunity to test drive the car in the playground and work out the speed at which they are travelling (it won’t be too fast though, just in case any worried parents are reading this!)

This project isn’t just about the final car and entering the International Finals. Although there is plenty of science within this project, the children are also thinking creatively, making models out of clay and designing presentation for the final Dragon’s Den style competition. They are developing team working skills, problem solving skills and project management skills. There is an excited hum coming from the classrooms and plenty of smiles on pupil’s faces and above all… the science teachers too!
Furthermore, the children are busy writing sponsorship letters to potential sponsors, so if you fancy having your name on the winning car (there will be plenty of press involved in the International Race Final) then let us know here at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy.
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) is a college offering sixth form, 11-16 years, youth centre, adult learning, community education, sports centre and pre-school. Find out more at www.paca.uk.com