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Students’ Fantastic Gravity Car Creations Hit the Race Track!

Monday saw Kernewek Hall transform into an all-action race track arena (featuring a grandstand!) as part of the finale to Year 8’s STEAM Gravity Racer Project!

Students have been designing and building their shoe box-sized downhill racing cars since Christmas, and were tasked with creating not only the fastest, but also the ‘wackiest’ and ‘coolest’ looking cars – mimicking the Red Bull Soapbox races.

And the eagerly-anticipated race day did not disappoint, with the hall’s tiered seating providing a grandstand view of the purpose-built race track, as students tested out their fantastic products in front of a lively audience.

“The excitement was clear to see and the quality of the work was outstanding,” said Head of STEAM, Mr Childs, when reflecting on the pupils’ efforts.

“Each group produced a great product, and although they [the cars] didn’t all make it to the bottom of the course, they put on a great show,” he added.

Gaining insight into industries that are related to the school’s STEAM projects is regarded as an integral part of students’ learning, and with the Gravity Racer Project, this was delivered by Falmouth-based company, Watson Marlow, much to the delight of Mr Childs.

“We were fortunate that the project was supported by Watson Marlow, and specifically by Chris White, who was present to judge the cars and cheer on the pupils,” said Mr Childs.

“A massive thank you to Chris for the time he spent with us across the project. Having a link to industry is key for us, and seeing real engineers doing such similar things is a real boost for the students.

“A huge well done to Year 8 for their effort and engagement with the project,” Mr Childs concluded.

Year 8 students will begin their second project of the year following the Easter break!