The atmosphere was electric when young engineers of the future built and raced solar-powered cars with a helping hand from London South Bank University (LSBU).
The fun activity introduced local school children from eight different schools around London to engineering and how it impacts on everyday life and got them thinking about solar energy as the world looks to a sustainable future.
Youngsters were given the freedom to create any solar car they wanted and spent several weeks designing, building and testing the vehicles with expert support from student ambassadors from the University who are studying engineering subjects.
And that culminated in the pupils visiting the University campus to race their machines against teams from other local schools in the 'Solar Car Challenge', which is now in its fifth year.
Kadeza Begum, who is studying Product Design, was one of 20 student ambassadors from LSBU taking part this year.
Kadeza said: "This fun and hands-on activity inspired pupils to view science in a whole new way, giving them an insight into engineering, an understanding of what engineers do, and how this affects our everyday lives.
"Pupils gained experience of team work, problem-solving skills, a practical application of science and technology, as well as insight into solar power and renewable energy concepts and the exciting world of design and engineering."
She added: "The technical ability and commitment of the participating students was fantastic - it was really rewarding helping them to learn new skills."
Around 80 pupils aged 12-14 carried out tasks like wiring circuits and building a gear box. The activities were based on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.
Local schools involved in the event, which took place on Saturday (16 June), included Lambeth Academy and Notre Dame Roman Catholic Girls� Secondary School.
Posted: 18th June 2012
