Hands-on RC racing workshop (forces, motion & problem solving)
A 1-day, zero-prep workshop where up to 90 pupils design, test and race radio-controlled cars, boosting STEM skills and confidence.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Many pupils find it hard to understand how science ideas like forces and motion work in real life. This engaging STEM workshop uses RC car racing to help pupils explore these concepts in a fun, practical way. It builds curiosity, confidence and enjoyment of learning.
Across a full‑day, on‑site workshop, pupils test, race and improve RC cars while investigating what makes them go faster, turn better or stop more quickly. Delivered in 3 structured sessions, each pupil takes part in 3 race activities and 2 hands‑on engineering challenges, combining observation, prediction and simple testing.
Facilitated discussion throughout helps pupils make sense of what they see on the track. And links their experiences to everyday examples and key science ideas such as pushes and pulls, friction and movement. Activities are carefully scaffolded so all pupils can take part, encouraging teamwork, communication and creative problem solving.
What sets this workshop apart is its focus on developing how pupils think as well as what they learn. By the end of the day, pupils will have a clearer understanding of forces and motion, experience planning and improving a design. And they'll feel more confident exploring STEM through practical investigation.
Practical information
Flexible, low‑disruption delivery for single groups or rotating classes, aligned to your curriculum priorities
Delivered by an engineer in a hall, sports space or large classroom
Works effectively with mixed-ability groups, including SEND learners
All equipment provided, including track, cars and materials
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Curriculum links
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- England primary science curriculum: Earth and space
- Scotland primary science curriculum: Sciences
- Northern Ireland primary science curriculum: Science and technology
- Wales primary science curriculum : The world around us
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Physics: Motion and forces
- Engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Forces
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Forces
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Forces and energy transfer
- Technology & design - Control
- Group size
- Whole class, Whole year group
Typically delivered to 60-90 students per day across multiple sessions
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Whole day
- Cost
- Cost may apply
£850 for a full‑day workshop. Available UK‑wide (additional travel costs may apply for Scotland and Northern Ireland).
A limited number of fully funded places are available each term. Schools in the London Paddington, Oxford and Bristol areas are especially encouraged to enquire. - Location
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In-school
- UK-wide
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
