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.
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