Is your teenager keen to study science, research or engineering? If he or she is like the majority of teenagers world-wide, probably not.

As a consequence, we could run out of scientists!

That is why Bob Shop would like to draw your attention to the F1 Teams in Schools Challenge. The Challenge was introduced to motivate learners to take up science and engineering. 

In 2009, the challenge was to design and manufacture compact gas cylinder powered model racing cars. Student teams will compete against each other in a national championship to determine the best engineered and fastest car in South Africa. The winning team will represent South Africa in the World Championship. It's just like being in a real Formula One team!

This year’s International Championships was held in London in September 2009, with the participation of thirty one teams from twenty countries. The three teams from South Africa - Team Stealth from Maritzburg College, Team Zeallous from Stellenbosch High School and Team Gear-up from Afrikaans Hoërskool Sasolburg came tenth, fourteenth and eighteenth respectively.

You can help your teenager pursue a career in science and technology by gently steering her or him towards these fields from an early age. You can help grow a whole generation of young South African scientists, researchers and engineers!