Engineering project an electrifying success for Kapiti students

In total, nine electric go-karts were built by the students, who completed the project as a means to successfully achieve some of their Level 2 mechanical engineering units via Tools4Work.

"I think the word ‘success' is a bit of an understatement here," says Gavin Coleman, teacher and Technology HOD at Kapiti College.

"Lots of parents turned out to see the races on the Friday, and teachers from other departments of our school were really shocked and amazed at what our students had produced - there were massive smiles all around!"

Best of all, the performance of the finished karts came as a surprise to onlookers, who had mixed expectations about the capabilities of the karts.

"All of the spectators were expecting the go-karts to have similar performance to an electric wheelchair. What they saw instead was wheel-spinning, tyre-screeching monsters!"

Now that the project's complete, and the students have raced-off their creations, you'd think Gavin and team might put their feet up and reflect on a job well done. But Gavin's already preparing to ensure another year of senior students will enjoy learning for a possible career in engineering under his guidance.

"I'm looking forward to next year's projects already!" says Gavin.

Keep up the great work - it's a pleasure to see both students and teacher having such a great time learning and imparting industry knowledge, and igniting the imagination of tomorrow's mechanical engineers.



Above:  And they're off!  Kapiti College engineering students wheelie off the start line on the electric go karts they built themselves in class.