A term-long Design and Technology project culminated on Thursday June 18 in a grand finish when Year 2 students of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School participated in the 2009 Design Challenge. Students spent the term designing and making cars that would have as its main source of power: rat traps.

Students show off their rat trap racers

Each student was given the directive in April of this year to design the fastest car that could travel the furthest distance. They were to choose appropriate materials, decide on how they would shape and position them and look for ways they could maximize the performance of the car.

Finalists get to set race

Last year’s theme was Born to be Wild, adapting the Steppenwolf mega hit. This year’s theme adapted Rihanna’s Shut Up and Drive! It was an afternoon of excitement as the entire school watched in anticipation of seeing the best car win.

Winner Wazim Ali

While many students entered the mini tournament only the fastest longest traveling car would win in the end. A match of three rounds decided whose design would win.

The winning racer

Among those making it to the final round were Jaleel Scarbrough of 2A2 (third place), Cordane Richardson of 2B4 (second place) and Wazim Ali of 2A3 (first place). Wazim’s racer traveled a distance of 52’10”.

Congratulations to the and to all participants in this year’s Design Challenge and good luck as you keep up the good work in year 3 and beyond.

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