Students from Foothills County are going pedal to the metal in a science-based competition.
A group of students from Strathcona Tweedsmuir School (STS) are heading down to North Carolina in early April to build and race some Formula 1 race cars, as part of STEM Racing (formally known as F1 in Schools) National Championship.
STEM Racing is a global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) based competition that will require students to design, manufacture, and race CO2-powered Formula 1 cars.
This helps students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios.
STS currently has three high-performing teams qualifying for STEM Racing nationals, the Sol de Miami Racing, Cyclone, and Peak Performance.
While the teams were qualifying for nationals, the Sol de Miami Racing team's F1 creation was not only the fastest car in Canada, but it was also the fourth fastest car in North America.
Their success in creating the quickest car in Canada has earned them the Best Project Management Portfolio award and secured the spot as the second overall team in Canada.
"This has been an exciting, action-packed year preparing for the professional stream of the North American STEM Racing Finals," explained the Design and Innovation teacher at STS in a media release. "We’re grateful for this opportunity through STS, and for industry professionals like former Formula 1 Ferrari engineer Dan Fleetcroft and Alberta Innovates pitch mentor Craig Elias, who shared leading-edge insights with our students. Our goal is to qualify for worlds -- but more importantly, we’re here to have fun and learn as much as we can along the way."
Not only are they excited about the competition, but they are looking forward to connecting with the top teams and industry professionals in motorsports and engineering, where they will gain experience and valuable insight.
"F1 in Schools is more than just racing to Sol De Miami Racing -- it’s about learning, growing, and proving what’s possible. We’re excited to bring our best to Nationals!" said Sol de Miami team member, Sofia, in the media release.
Through the STEM Racing program, they have built strong communities of engineers, designers, and marketers within Strathcona Tweedsmuir School.
The school feels this program proves that hard work leads to remarkable achievements.
As the Strathcona Tweedsmuir School states, "This is a proud moment for the local area, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from students in the Calgary and Foothills area. Nationals is just the next step, as the teams set their sights on the World Finals."
The National Championship will happen in North Carolina from April 7 to 9.
Outside of the track, participants in this program will manage sponsorships, develop branding, and create engineering portfolios.
To learn more about the STEM racing program, click here.