Empowering Future Engineers: Meta Dot Go Kart Course at ELCHK Lutheran Secondary School

Program Overview

• Program Name: Karting Engineering Experience
• Duration: 3 Days
• Partner School: ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School
• Target Students: 30 F4 students

Educational Objectives & Learning Outcomes

Primary Learning Objectives

• Mechanical Understanding: Enhance interest in vehicle mechanics through assembling go-karts.
• Experimental Skills: Develop hands-on experimental skills.
• Problem-solving Ability: Foster problem-solving through technical challenges.
• Team Collaboration: Build teamwork and communication skills.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Ability to build a go-kart.
• Understanding the theory and structure of vehicle systems.
• Enhanced teamwork and communication abilities.

Curriculum Structure Design

Lesson 1: Introduction to Go-Kart Mechanics

• Time: 2 hours
• Content: Overview of go-kart structure, transmission, and energy systems.
• Activities: Group formation, tool demonstration, initial assembly tasks.

Lesson 2: Advanced Assembly and Systems Understanding

• Time: 2 hours
• Content: Braking systems, suspension, and aerodynamics.
• Activities: Assembly of seats and brakes, group discussions.

Lesson 3: Driving Skills and Practical Application

• Time: 2 hours
• Content: Driving techniques, safety rules, practical driving experience.
• Activities: Driving challenges, drift and water challenge exercises.

Teaching Methods & Strategies

• Experiential Learning: Hands-on assembly and driving experience.
• Problem-based Learning: Real-world challenges in go-kart assembly.
• Collaborative Learning: Group tasks and cooperative problem-solving.

Resource Allocation & Logistics

Human Resources

• Instructors: 5 teachers overseeing 4 groups.
• Group Structure: 4 groups with about 6 students each.

Equipment & Materials

• Tools: Toolbox, hex keys, locking pliers.
• Materials: Zip ties, bolts, nuts, safety cones.

Venue Arrangements

• Location: ELCHK Yuen Long Lutheran Secondary School.
• Facilities: Classroom for theory, outdoor track for practical sessions.

Assessment Framework

• Formative Assessment (100%):
  • Participation: Engagement during sessions.
  • Practical Skills: Ability to assemble and drive go-karts.
  • Teamwork: Effective collaboration and communication.

Safety Management Protocol

• Safety Training: Emphasizing tool usage and driving safety.
  • Pre-Driving Preparations: Before operating the electric vehicles, instructors provide comprehensive safety instructions to ensure that all students understand operational procedures and safety protocols. Instructors closely supervise the entire process, strictly enforcing adherence to safety rules. They ensure that students not participating in driving are positioned in designated safe areas. Students preparing to drive must sit in the vehicle and fasten their seatbelts under instructor supervision. Instructors will only hand over the keys once all preparations are verified. Students are allowed to start the vehicle only with instructor approval.
• Protective Measures: Mandatory use of safety gear.
• Electric Vehicle Specifications: All electric vehicles have undergone rigorous testing, with speed strictly limited to a maximum of 10 kilometres per hour to ensure student safety.
• Activity Venue and Regulations: The activity is conducted exclusively on the school's private playground, with prior notification given to all relevant school personnel. We have ensured that no more than two vehicles operate on the playground at any given time, with speed limits enforced and driving routes separated by a safe distance to eliminate collision risks. As the activity does not involve public roads, no special licenses are required. This arrangement complies with relevant regulations, ensuring the activity is conducted within legal boundaries.
• Emergency Plans: Preparedness for accidents.

Program Results & Impact

Learning Effectiveness Data

• Skills Mastery: 100% of students successfully assembled go-karts.
• Theoretical Understanding: Majority students show understanding in course materials.
• Teamwork Enhancement: Strong collaborative spirit observed.

Student Feedback

Teacher Evaluation

Program Sustainability

• Curriculum Integration: Potential incorporation into formal engineering education.
• Advanced Workshops: Future sessions on advanced vehicle dynamics.

Experience Summary & Recommendations

• Hands-on Learning: Direct engagement with vehicle mechanics.
• Team-based Tasks: Encouraged collaboration and peer learning.
• Self-Learning: A detailed assembly manual is provided to students to help them independently learn and build the kart within their groups. Additionally, PowerPoint presentations are available for further study and exploration.
• Systematic Curriculum Design: Complete learning pathway from theory to practice
• Professional Faculty Support: Instructor team with engineering backgrounds
• Adequate Resource Allocation: Comprehensive equipment and material support
• Full School Cooperation: Active participation from administrative and teaching teams

Improvement Suggestions

• Enhance Resources: Provide additional tools and materials for advanced projects.
• Enhance Safety Measures and Protective Gear: To address safety concerns, we recommend further strengthening our safety protocols. This could include implementing additional protective barriers around the track, increasing the number of safety marshals during driving sessions, and ensuring that all students are equipped with high-quality helmets. Additionally, conducting more comprehensive safety drills before practical sessions could further enhance readiness.
• Rain Policy: Develop a clear rain policy to handle inclement weather conditions. This policy should include provisions for rescheduling or relocating the practical driving sessions to an indoor facility, if possible. Ensuring that all participants are aware of the rain policy in advance will help in minimizing disruptions and maintaining safety standards.
• Insurance and Licensing Clarification: While current assessments indicate no need for additional insurance due to the private and controlled environment, we acknowledge the concerns raised. To alleviate these concerns, we recommend a review of the current insurance and licensing needs in consultation with legal advisors. This will ensure that all safety protocols are robust and that stakeholders are reassured of the program's compliance with legal standards.
• Transparent Communication: To address and mitigate complaints, maintaining transparent communication with parents, students, and stakeholders regarding the safety measures, insurance, and licensing protocols is crucial. Providing detailed briefings and Q&A sessions before the start of the course can help clarify any misconceptions and build trust.