The BWT Alpine Formula One Team has joined forces with Microsoft to put an education module on the Minecraft Education platform for teachers to help introduce students to the various careers available within a Formula 1 team.

Additionally, the Race into STEM Minecraft Education world is supported by IRL (in real life) events in conjunction with F1 races in Mexico, the UK, Australia, and France in a bid to light the fire of enthusiasm in young minds.

The Race into STEM game is set in a Minecraft 8-bit recreation of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team factory in Enstone, Oxfordshire, U.K. It lets players explore the team’s facility and learn all about what it takes to build and race a modern Formula 1 car.

In the game, players meet team employees like Dalia Ramos Guerra, Head of Build and Test, and Chief Financial Officer Gemma Lang, who explain their roles and important details of the car. Players get to conduct wind tunnel testing of the race car and take part in a pit stop.

More than students have taken part in the live events around the world, and there have been more than 80,000 visits to the digital Race into STEM sites from 99 countries. This virtual resource is free worldwide and includes a curated curriculum by FIA Girls on Track UK, along with videos from BWT Alpine Formula One Team employees.

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Middle Barton Primary School students get a taste of Formula 1 via Minecraft. BWT ALPINE FORMULA ONE TEAM

During a visit to the Alpine team’s local Middle Barton Primary School in Enstone, UK students got a taste of the new Minecraft Education world. More importantly, because they live nearby, the kids got a tour of the factory with the chance to learn directly from the employees featured in the game. That meant a Q&A session with Dalia, Gemma, and Senior Aerodynamicist, Paula Garcia Ruiz.

The Race into STEM Minecraft Education world can be played on the Minecraft Education website now education.minecraft.net. An outline of the activities in the games provides an idea of what students can expect.

1. Introduction to Formula 1 Concepts (10 minutes)

   1. Activity: Begin with a brief discussion on Formula 1 racing and the roles of engineering, physics, and teamwork in car performance. Explain key terms like downforce, aerodynamics, and drag to establish a foundational understanding.

2. Meet the Formula 1 Team (10 minutes)

   1. Activity: Students interact with in-game characters to learn about different STEM careers in Formula 1, including engineers, aerodynamicists, and race support engineers. They will explore each role’s contributions to car performance.

3. Wind Tunnel Aerodynamics Challenge (15 minutes)

   1. Activity: Students use the wind tunnel and interactive panel to test different car configurations, adjusting parts like wings and side pods to achieve a balance between speed and downforce for optimal performance.

4. Engineering Office Exploration (10 minutes)

   1. Activity: Students explore the Engineering Office to see how engineers use design and simulation to optimize car performance. This activity may include viewing computer models or speaking with team members to understand the science behind design choices.

5. Material Science and Clean Room Activity (10 minutes)

   1. Activity: Students visit the Clean Room to learn about carbon fiber components, exploring how lightweight materials improve car performance. They will discuss material properties and the manufacturing process.

6. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

   1. Activity: After completing the challenges, hold a discussion where students reflect on what they learned. Prompts may include questions like: “Which challenge did you find most engaging?” and “How do you think these skills apply to real-world careers?”

7. Wrap-Up Quiz or Written Reflection (Optional, 10 minutes)

   1. Activity: Assess students' understanding through a quick quiz on the concepts they explored or a written reflection about the skills they practiced and how they relate to STEM fields.

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While the primitive 8-bit characters in Minecraft barely resemble the people they represent, at least no participating engineers needs to worry about an unflattering portrayal in a game where everyone is an unflattering blockhead!

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