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Workshop

Power to Drive

Students build, problem solve, test and race a miniature electric car!

Power to Drive

Miniature electric cars are built to demonstrate some of the principles of gears, before the young people then use the cars to understand the relationship between voltage input and distance travelled.

They can then use this knowledge to perform a series of tests to draw up a graph, and a line of best fit if applicable, with the intention of getting their team's car to stop closest to a specified distance.

The session concludes with a race for all the teams, to see whose car has been built to the highest standard!

Logistics

  • Needs to be delivered in a large classroom, hall or other clear space with a few tables available.
  • This experience is designed for an ideal group size of 30 learners, but a minimum of 10 and maximum of 45 can be accommodated.

Cost

£650+VAT for schools within an hour and a half of Derby. £770+VAT for schools beyond this. Discounts will be applied for multiple bookings.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • 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
  • 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:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

Good for a career in...

  • Construction
  • Design
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Environment
What the teachers say

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