Formula 1 Grand Prix comes to Doncaster! | Doncaster North CLC

Formula 1 Grand Prix comes to Doncaster!

Dated: 24/11/2009

In October 2009, Doncaster North City Learning Centre was delighted to host a 2 day Maths challenge for Year 6 pupils.  Participating schools included Arksey Primary, Bentley High Street Primary, Bentley New Village Primary, Castle Hills Primary, Sunnyfields Primary and Bentley Kirkby Avenue Primary. Based on an exciting opportunity to race Formula 1 cars in a computerised simulation (Maths in Motion), pupils pitted their wits to design a car that would out perform others and race to victory on race day! The challenge simulated the setting up of a racing car, with students encountering a variety of mathematical tasks (some practical) in an effort to win a series of races! Some of the skills needed were:

- Multiplication and Division

-  Calculator work

- Decimals, rounding up

- Ratios, chance, risk, strategy

- Angles, measurement, scale

- Speed, distance, time

- Maths modelling... what happens if?

- Engine performance, aerodynamics, gears, suspension

- Team strategy, working together

- Interpreting graphs, statistics

- Data handling

The challenge not only motivated both the students and teachers who took part, it also brought a new approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics across the board.

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