Students design race car for national competition
Pictured are members of Clinton High School’s Novum Racing team after their victory as Tennessee state champions in the Formula One STEM racing competition. (photo:Submitted )
The CHS team, Novum Racing, won Tennessee state champion in the development class in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) racing regional finals on Dec. 13, which did not involve going anywhere in person.
The team will next compete at the national finals in Charlotte, North Carolina April 12-15.
Formula One endorses the event, billed as “The World’s Largest STEM competition.”
The students designed the car using professional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, aerodynamic simulation and engineering analysis, Sylvain David, CHS teacher and Novum Racing team principal said.
The final car is physically manufactured with 3-D printing.
It must meet strict size, weight and safety regulations, and be powered by a carbon dioxide cartridge. Judges looks not just at performance but design and marketing as well.
“It helps students apply math, physics, and engineering in real-world contexts, learn professional tools used in industry, develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, practice problem-solving under pressure, and build resumes and portfolios that stand out for college and careers,” David said.
“Students are treated like young engineers and professionals, not just competitors.”
He added that the upcoming nationals will have standards “comparable to collegiate engineering competitions.”
The team met as a flux class in the fall and will meet at lunchtime during the spiring. It includes students from different high school grade levels.
Interested students man contact David or school counselors to find out more about how to join.
“Students get involved because they want to build something real, compete at a high level, work as part of a team with real responsibility, [and] gain hands-on experience beyond a textbook,” David said. “STEM Racing opens doors — to engineering, design, marketing, business and leadership pathways, even for students who may not see themselves as ‘traditional’ engineers.”
David said judging at the regionals involved the teams sending their materials to the organizers who evaluated the entries by different aspects.
• First, he said. the judges looked at the engineering design portfolio, which includes use of software, aerodynamics and more.
• Second, they look at manufacturing quality of the 3-D printed car.
• Third, they look at performance on an official track.
• Finally, the judges look at branding, sponsorship and outreach.
At the nationals in April, all the above categories for judging apply, but the students will also do interviews with engineers and industry professionals.
“Judging is significantly more rigorous, with tighter tolerances, deeper technical questioning, and stronger competition from top teams across the country,” David said of the nationals compared to regionals.
Director of Schools Tim Parrott shared information on the team at the Jan. 20 County Commission meeting. Anderson County.
