Delivery
In school
When
Term 1 to 2
Cohort
Primary, secondary
Where
Statewide
About the program
The University of Tasmania Derby is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity designed to engage children in fun interactive learning experience.
Derby Racers is a free activity for Tasmanian schools. The University we will provide schools with car making packs, students then work in small groups/pairs to create and test their own race cars, using the design, make, appraise approach.
1. Design: Students design their own race cars, utilising STEM principles and hypothesising what will make their car roll faster or further.
2. Make: Students make their cars using any materials they wish, considering how these materials affect the function of the car.
3. Appraise: Students test their cars and refine their designs. They learn what parts of their designs worked or didn’t work, then make improvements and test again.
Target audience
The packs require some assembly, and work best with mid-primary school to early high school groups.
The level of difficulty can be adapted to suit the participating audience (e.g. basic design for younger children through to 3D printing for those who want a more high tech experience).
The packs contain small parts and are not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
Derby Racer car packs will be available for schools in Term 4, 2024
The University of Tasmania is committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and accessible educational experiences. Please let us know when registering how we can best support your needs.
Check out the Derby car-making video, presented by Tasmanian STEM professionals and students.