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Hands-on RC Racing Workshop (Forces, Motion & Problem‑Solving)

A 1 day, zero-prep workshop where up to 90 pupils design, test and race radio-controlled cars, boosting STEM skills and confidence.

Hands-on RC Racing Workshop (Forces, Motion & Problem‑Solving)

Many pupils find it hard to understand how science ideas like forces and motion work in real life. This engaging STEM workshop uses RC car racing to help pupils explore these concepts in a fun, practical way - building curiosity, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Across a full‑day, on‑site workshop, pupils test, race and improve RC cars while investigating what makes them go faster, turn better or stop more quickly. Delivered in 3 structured sessions, each pupil takes part in 3 race activities and 2 hands‑on engineering challenges, combining observation, prediction and simple testing.

Facilitated discussion throughout helps pupils make sense of what they see on the track, linking their experiences to everyday examples and key science ideas such as pushes and pulls, friction and movement. Activities are carefully scaffolded so all pupils can take part, encouraging teamwork, communication and creative problem‑solving.

What sets this workshop apart is its focus on developing how pupils think as well as what they learn. By the end of the day, pupils will have a clearer understanding of forces and motion, experience planning and improving a design, and feel more confident exploring STEM through practical investigation.

Practical information

- Flexible, low‑disruption delivery for single groups or rotating classes, aligned to your curriculum priorities
- Typically delivered to 60-90 students per day across multiple sessions
- Delivered by an engineer in a hall, sports space or large classroom
- Works effectively with mixed-ability groups, including SEND learners
- All equipment provided, including track, cars and materials

Cost

£850 for a full‑day workshop. Available UK‑wide (additional travel costs may apply for Scotland and Northern Ireland).

A limited number of fully funded places are available each term. Schools in the London Paddington, Oxford and Bristol areas are especially encouraged to enquire.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Electricity
  • Earth and space
  • Forces
  • Mechanisms

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Planning - Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them

  • Creativity - Using imagination and generating new ideas

  • Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information

  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges

  • Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas

  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

Good for a career in...

  • Aircraft
  • Beauty
  • Computing
  • Construction
  • Design
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Music
  • Space
  • Sport
What the teachers say

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