Domino Printing volunteered a team of eight technical specialists from the R&D team – comprising apprentices, engineers and machinists – to run the Greenpower Project at Newton Primary School in Eltisley with practically-focused sessions for pupils aged 9-11 years.
These have included basic engineering principles, as well as the environmental impact of engineering, with one on electrical motors where children built small cars using recycled plastic bottles and bottle tops and another based on strong shapes where they built bridges out of straws to support a specified weight.
Bradley Moore, Mechanical Engineer at Domino said: “Essentially a session starts with a presentation, followed by an engaging activity that helps the pupils to understand how theoretical principles apply in the real world.
“The in-school sessions led to restoring previous years’ Karts ahead of the Greenpower Education Trust’s Race Day, to ensure they have a clean bill of health, replacing motors and fixing the braking system, which has helped to gain knowledge of the mechanical systems involved in a moving vehicle.
“We are keen to help educate and inspire potential engineers of the future, giving them basic knowledge on engineering to broaden their thoughts on the world around them, by making activities fun and engaging. Importantly, we hope it starts the young people thinking about pursuing an engineering or science-based subject as a career.”
Rebecca Chisem, from Newton Primary School added: “We would not be able to do the Greenpower project without the support we have received from Domino. Their specialist help has given our students an insight into a new area of learning and allowed them to apply their knowledge through practical experience and develop new skills. It’s a great way for them to consider whether engineering might be a career they want to pursue in the future. It is also loads of fun!”
At Goodwood, the cars are raced against more than 100 other schools from across the UK, including a slalom race and timed pit-stop challenge. At the end a lap of champions is held, where one lucky pupil gets to drive their school’s Kart around the full revival circuit.
The Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity with an outstanding track record in kick starting careers in engineering, helping to unlock potential and spark enthusiasm for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through the excitement of motorsport.
Image: The Domino Printing team with teachers and pupils from Newton Primary School with their Greenpower Kit Karts.
