Keeping up with change is vital for our future, requiring investment and focus in getting science and technology into the hands of young students who will be the next generation of scientists and engineers. One such initiative is the Jaguar Primary School Challenge – South Africa, which is aimed at the emulation of a race team, just like engineers at Jaguar. The project promotes and supports a series of workshops and events that introduces primary school children to a range of business, technology, design and engineering skills. This initiative reaches schools of all socioeconomic backgrounds and secures funding through state and private sector benefactors to help the students learn and travel to the events.
Schools must form teams of four learners who are introduced to 2D CADCAM when they design and manufacture their miniature car. These cars are then tested against each other in controlled races that challenge the skills and work put in by the students who first compete in the regionals and then the national final.
Left to right: X-Team Racers Dipika Ramjugernath, Vongai Mubaiwa, Keshav Hurpaul and Syun Bhaga with teacher Stefan Mack.
The project has reached over 100 schools since its inception in April 2016, touching 5000 learners, who are passionate about science and technology. RS Components is proud to be part of this initiative, sponsoring pi-top desktop computers as prizes for the five regional finals.
“Driving education with innovation and technology builds a platform for young minds to learn, play and create for the future,” said Mellisa Naidoo, head of marketing at RS Components South Africa. “We have been privileged to be part of initiatives such as this, which makes STEM education exciting and accessible to young students all across the country. These students are our next generation scientists, engineers and business leaders who will shape the world of tomorrow.”
Regional finals were held in Port Elizabeth, Hillcrest, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town and Johannesburg with each winning team receiving a pi-top desktop bundle for their school powered by the Raspberry Pi computer board. The overall winners at the national finals were the X-Team Racers, a group of four Eden College learners from Durban.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Comtest calibration user group seminar Comtest
News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Read more...Functional safety explained
News
The SAIMC supports Pepperl+Fuchs, a National Member, in a free four-part online seminar series focused on Functional Safety.
Read more...The Future of manufacturing in Africa
News
The future and development of African manufacturing will be discussed extensively at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba conference, to be hosted on 15 to 16 July 2025 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre.
Read more...Hot topics at IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
Burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at the three-day conference and forum presented by analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 July 2025.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
The other day I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TV and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have faded into obscurity. Others, like the metaverse, ...
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version