Bunbury students engineer place in national competition

Team Carbon Five is revving up to compete in Launceston at the F1 in Schools national competition on March 4.

The engineering quintet from Newton Moore Senior High School placed second in the State competition in 2017, which secured a wildcard spot for the team at the national level.

Design engineer Jordan Neill spent more than 70 hours designing the team’s car in a computer program which had to comply to strict regulations, which was then cut from a balsa wood block, while the wings and wheel support structures were 3D printed.

The F1 is fitted with a carbon dioxide cannister which is hit by a pin to trigger the launch – reaching speeds up to 20 metres per second.

Team manager Bonnie Cook said Carbon Five was just one of two professional level teams representing the State at the nationals.

“It’s quite an honour representing Bunbury and WA, so we want to show we have something to give and hopefully we do really well,” she said.

“I think we are really solid as a team, we all know each other’s weaknesses and strengths.”

Head of Science Lorraine Ellis said the project allowed students the opportunity to experience engineering first hand as well as work with industry.

“They have to show how they have liaised with industries and that is a real growing step outside of a normal classroom for them – they have to have the initiative to do that and they are very driven students,” she said.

“It shows a lot of dedication and aptitude.”