Inspiring STEM ambassadors on the race track

Students from Blackburn College have been inspiring school children to consider a future within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) by developing an engaging STEM Ambassador programme around their self-built electric go kart.

The project revolves around the building and testing of an electric EV Kart that students from Blackburn College have built from scratch with support from Future U, engineering experts NIS Ltd and technology education specialists, The Blair Project.

Craig Midgley, head of school for technical studies at Blackburn College said: “We have been working on this project since December 2017, including students from Engineering and Motor Vehicle programmes at Blackburn College and the University Centre at Blackburn College.

“Our students have had to assemble the kart without detailed instructions, using a kart kit that has come from America - it is the only kart of its kind currently in the UK so the project has led to many interesting discussions, problem solving and learning how to work together as a team.”

The team from Blackburn College attended the Three Sisters racing circuit in Wigan to test the kart, taking part in 2018’s first ProtoEV Challenge. Designed to promote STEM within schools and the brainchild of The Blair Project, the scheme allows local school and college pupils to race petrol go karts and learn more about the Engineering and Motor Vehicle industries.

CEO of The Blair Project, Nile Henry (22) said “There is a national shortage of young people entering Technical and Engineering industries within the UK and the current school curriculum is not geared up to address this shortage.

“The ProtoEV Challenge tries to plug that gap by encouraging young people to consider a future within STEM by providing project-based learning activities that give young people hands on, practical and industry relevant experience.”

Nile added: “We are delighted to be working with Blackburn College on this project – we are looking to transform our petrol motors into electric go karts and chose Blackburn College because they are very hands on and can see where this technology is headed.

“It has been fantastic to witness their electric kart in action and we look forward to taking the project forward with a second race day in July.”

Pupils from Sharples School (Bolton) and Fred Longworth High School (Manchester) attended the track day, thoroughly enjoying the challenge and stating that the experience would definitely encourage them to pursue a career within STEM subjects in the future. Craig added: “Using go karts is such a fantastic way of showing children how exciting STEM can be and I know that our students have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a project. The plan now is to take the kart into school workshops within the Blackburn and Darwen area and reach as many children and teachers as possible.”