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Core Scientific Skills
The Next Lap Challenge brings the Australian Curriculum to life through motorsport.
Students explore real STEM concepts such as forces, motion, energy and systems, then apply their understanding to design a racing innovation.
Built for the classroom, it combines clear curriculum alignment with practical, hands-on learning.
This is not theory. It is STEM in action.
Curriculum Coverage at a Glance
This Challenge supports:
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Science (Inquiry Skills and Science as a Human Endeavour)
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Design and Technologies
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Digital Technologies
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Mathematics
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General Capabilities (Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability)
Designed for Grades 4 to 12. Flexible for different classroom settings.
Curiosity and Exploration
Investigating Motorsport Systems
Students begin by exploring how a Formula 1® race system works, sparking curiosity about the science behind speed, control and performance.
They investigate concepts such as forces, motion, energy, aerodynamics, materials and track design, asking key questions about how circuits, cars and race conditions influence performance and safety.
This aligns with the Science Inquiry Skills strand, as students:
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pose questions
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make predictions
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investigate real-world systems
Students are introduced to how scientific thinking is used to analyse and improve high-performance environments.
Real-World Engineering
Understanding Performance and System Design
Students explore how science and engineering drive innovation in Formula 1®, examining how performance, safety and efficiency are balanced in a high-speed environment.
They investigate how factors such as aerodynamics, materials, energy use and track design influence race outcomes, and how engineers make trade-offs to optimise results.
This aligns with the Science as a Human Endeavour strand, as students:
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understand how scientific knowledge is applied in real-world contexts
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explore how innovation shapes industries like motorsport
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recognise the role of engineers and scientists in solving complex problems
Students see how STEM is used to analyse, improve and evolve high-performance systems.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
Designing the Future of Racing
Students apply science and engineering concepts to design their own motorsport innovation.
They generate ideas, test and refine solutions, and evaluate how their design improves performance, safety or the race experience.
This aligns with the Design and Technologies strand, as students:
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develop and communicate design ideas
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create and evaluate solutions
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apply critical and creative thinking to real-world problems
Students move from understanding concepts to applying them in a purposeful, high-performance context.
Mathematical Thinking
Applying Data and Measurement
Students apply mathematical skills to analyse speed, distance, time and performance within a racing context.
They interpret data, identify patterns and use basic calculations to support their design decisions.
This aligns with the Mathematics curriculum, as students:
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interpret and analyse data
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apply measurement and estimation
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use numerical reasoning in real-world contexts
Collaboration and Communication
Working as a Team
Students work in teams to research, design and present their ideas through a short video or narrated presentation.
They collaborate, share roles and communicate their thinking clearly to an audience.
This aligns with the General Capabilities, including:
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Literacy
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Critical and Creative Thinking
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Personal and Social Capability
They develop the ability to articulate ideas, justify decisions and present solutions with confidence.
Technological Application
Integrating Science, Design and Technology
Students integrate scientific understanding with digital and design technologies to analyse and improve motorsport systems.
They apply STEM concepts to explore how data, modelling and design tools are used to optimise performance, safety and efficiency in Formula 1®.
This aligns with the Digital Technologies strand, as students:
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use data and digital tools to investigate systems
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apply design thinking to develop solutions
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create and evaluate models or concepts
Students see how technology is used to test ideas, refine designs and improve outcomes in a high-performance environment.
Assessment and Evidence of Learning
Students demonstrate their understanding through a short video or narrated presentation.
They are assessed on:
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application of STEM concepts
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quality of their design or solution
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clarity of communication
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reasoning and justification
Clear rubrics are provided to support consistent and easy assessment.
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