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Schools add new dimension to Eco-Marathon

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 5, 2006

The Shell Eco-Marathon UK's new Schools Initiative aims to find the engineers of the future to develop next-generation vehicles that take fuel efficiency to new heights.

Where will we find the engineers of the future to develop next-generation vehicles that take fuel efficiency to new heights? The Shell Eco-Marathon UK's new Schools Initiative could provide the answer.

In July 2006, 13 teams of young people will take to the track in Corby, Northamptonshire, to launch their visions toward a fuel-efficient tomorrow.

Norman Koch, the event manager from Shell Global Solutions explains: "The Shell Eco-Marathon UK Schools Initiative was launched in 2005".

"It challenges young people from secondary schools all around the UK to develop their own fuel-efficient car".

"In November 2005, each of the 30 participating secondary schools took delivery of a new Honda engine and a Shell Eco-Marathon handbook".

"The competition was then on to discover who would be able to design, build and drive the most fuel-efficient car".

"Just months later, I am delighted that 13 of the 30 schools are entered to compete in their first Shell Eco-Marathon UK".

For this, the 30th anniversary of the Shell Eco-Marathon UK, the Schools Initiative students, from 11 to 14 years of age, will be in the spotlight for the duration of the two-day event at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

The programme is supported by the Learning Grid, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Honda (UK), with the specific intention of promoting engineering in secondary schools throughout the UK.

The Shell Eco-Marathon UK offers a unique tool that can stimulate understanding and education about the topic of sustainable mobility and engineering as a career choice.

Francis Evans who leads the Learning Grid on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry explains: "We're looking forward to an outstanding inaugural competition for the Schools Initiative prize".

"We know that the spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm this initiative has inspired in schools could be the spark that inspires students to pursue engineering careers".

"They'll learn long before they start their professional careers that they can really play a part in creating a greener future".

The Shell Eco-Marathon UK demands a strong understanding of different areas of study which means the teams must be well-rounded to succeed.

Business and mathematical skills are required to raise a budget and calculate fuel efficiency, while art is needed to design the concept that will serve as the template for the engineers and builders.

Students are confronted with real life problems and must apply the knowledge learned in their courses to finding the solutions.

This event presents an opportunity for schools to gain recognition and reputation with regard to an enhanced curriculum and its commitment to the education of its students.

It also allows for students to work alongside professionals and gain a greater understanding in the technical field.

To achieve this, 30 schools were chosen to receive a free Shell Eco-Marathon starter pack and many were introduced to a locally based engineering company to assist and mentor the project.

Furthermore, the pack provides a design and build manual along with a four-stroke GX31 engine supplied by Honda (UK).

Iain Radcliffe, Marketing Communications Manager, Honda Power Equipment, said the partnership between business and education has already exceeded expectations: "We originally committed to provide 20 engines for Schools Initiative teams, but interest was so high that we expanded our commitment to 30 engines".

"For us, it's a great way to help where we can to support the engineers of the future, particularly if they can help us to reduce emissions and fuel consumption around the world".

As well as finding solutions for fuel efficiency the Shell Eco-Marathon UK helps to uncover the hidden talents of today's school children.

It aims at challenging students to express their creativity and share their innovations by designing, building, and driving their own car.

Of the 30 participating schools, the 13 teams fastest out of the starting blocks for the Schools Initiative have just one week left before the Shell Eco-Marathon UK kicks off on 12th July 2006.

Shell and its partners expect the full cadre of participating schools to be competing by 2007.