Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton recently held the regional finals of the bit model rocket car challenge, Race For The Line (RFTL), encouraging pupils to engage with STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) in school.
The students were hosted by 825 Naval Air Squadron, home to the Royal Navy’s newest helicopter Wildcat HMA2, where each school team worked together to make a foam rocket car powered by a small solid fuel rocket motor and then pit it against rival teams.
A micro bit device is fitted to the car to capture real-time data from the vehicles that allows them to tweak their designs and make their car go as fast as possible during trials.
It is inspired by The Bloodhound Project, a global engineering adventure using the land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The competition involves around 70,000 Year 7/S1 students in England, Scotland and Wales.
It's huge fun, with a competitive edge, and the science involved all helped the students from Shaftsbury Southern Academy Trust, Ansford Academy, Bridgewater College, Ferndown Middle School and Park Community School have a great day.
Added to this was an up-close look around a Wildcat helicopter leaving the students inspired and fired up by the experience.
Well done to the winners from Shaftesbury School, who now go on to join the other regional finalists in the National Final.
