Future Engineers: Year 4 Students Design Cars of 2034
In an exciting fusion of creativity and innovation, Halliwell Jones MINI and Caddick Construction recently partnered with the year 4 students of St Benedict's Catholic Primary School for a hands-on workshop titled "Car of the Future." The workshop aimed to inspire young minds to envision what vehicles might look like in the year 2034, when these students will be old enough to drive.
The day kicked off with an engaging discussion about the key elements of future car design, including fuel efficiency, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge aesthetics. Representatives from Halliwell Jones and Caddick Construction guided the students through the basics of automotive engineering, highlighting the importance of environmental considerations and technological advancements in shaping the cars of tomorrow.
“Running the ‘Car of the Future’ workshop with the Year 4 class at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School was fantastic! After a presentation on how car manufacturers are looking into how cars can be made more sustainably, we tasked the students with designing their own ‘Car of the Future’. The students were full of creativity and enthusiasm looking at ways in which materials such as fishing nets and plastic bottles could be recycled and used in car manufacturing.
And who knows, we may have witnessed the future of automotive design first hand!
Thank you to Andrew at Halliwell Jones Wilmslow for collaborating with us on this project.” Debbie Watson, Social Value Manager at Caddick Construction
The highlight of the workshop was undoubtedly the design session. Each student had the opportunity to sketch their vision of a future car, incorporating the principles discussed earlier in the day. The creativity displayed was nothing short of remarkable. Designs ranged from solar-powered vehicles to cars made from biodegradable materials, each reflecting the students' understanding of sustainability and innovation.
"The children were very engaged with the project. The session generated lots of interesting discussions and allowed time for the children to ask questions and learn more. Their finished car designs showed how they had considered a variety of sustainable options and understood how they might be applied to their vehicle. Having an actual car for them to see and sit in really motivated and inspired them. They were particularly excited by the competitive element and worked hard on making their designs the best they could be." Karen Ridley, Year 4 Teacher at St Benedict's Primary School.
Winner:
Runners up:
"We were thrilled to collaborate with Caddick Construction and the enthusiastic year 4 students at St Benedict's Catholic Primary School for our 'Car of the Future' workshop. It was inspiring to see the creativity and innovation from the children as they envisioned what vehicles might look like in 2034, when they will be old enough to drive. The students' designs showcased imaginative ideas about fuel, design, and materials, reflecting their excitement and forward-thinking perspectives. It was a fantastic day filled with lively discussions and incredible creativity, leaving us all excited about the future of automotive design," Andrew Connor, Head of Business at Halliwell Jones Wilmslow.
The workshop not only fostered a spirit of innovation among the students but also emphasised the importance of sustainable practices in engineering. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this ensure that the next generation is well-prepared to contribute to a greener, more efficient future.
Big Love.
