The design and construction skills of students from Willmott Park Primary School will be put to the test later this month when they take part in the RACV Energy Breakthrough race.
The students have spent months building and testing a human-powered vehicle that they will take to Maryborough to race against teams from about 100 schools around the state.
The energy breakthrough race requires teams to design and build environmentally friendly vehicles to detailed specifications. They then take part in trials during a three-day event that puts their vehicles to the test. Students also give a 20-minute presentation about their entry and the concepts used in their designs.
The Craigieburn school has been taking part in the race since 2007, and this year’s team is led by teacher Luci Scamarcio, Michelle Tedeschi and Con Sapardanis.
Ms Scamarcio said the race encourages students to come up with solutions to environmental, sustainability and transport issues, while improving their fitness.
“It also gives than an understanding of living a healthy lifestyle, as all the children taking part do two or three bike rides each week to increase their fitness and stamina ahead of the event,” she said.
As part of the school’s energy breakthrough program, students are also studying some 45 pages of information about sustainability, the environment, road and safety rules and the importance of fundraising and sponsorship.
To help the students, developer Stockland has donated $1000 from its Highlands community grants program towards the cost of new riding shoes. Ms Scamarcio said the school had not replaced the bike riding shoes it has used since it started taking part in the race.
She said the grant would allow the school to buy six pairs of shoes for the students to wear when they train and compete. The students will take part in the event on November 17-20.
