In a move set to transform local education and capture the spirit of Thailand’s growing connection to global motorsports, Unity Concord International School (UCIS) proudly announced the launch of STEM Racing Powered by F1. This innovative new program integrates the high-octane world of Formula 1 with hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), positioning UCIS as a pioneer in bringing such a prestigious curriculum to Chiang Mai.
The announcement comes at a thrilling time for the nation, with the buzz around a potential inaugural Formula 1 race in Thailand at an all-time high. UCIS is capitalizing on this national excitement by offering its students a unique and tangible opportunity to explore the world of motorsports, not just as fans, but as engineers, designers, and innovators.
“We’re not just teaching science or engineering—we’re igniting a passion for innovation and teamwork,” said Ms. Tina Ellingsworth, Chief of Operations at UCIS. “This program gives our students an early start in applying crucial 21st-century skills in meaningful, high-interest contexts. It’s about taking theoretical knowledge and watching it come to life, from a blueprint on a screen to a miniature car on a track.”
For parents, it’s important to understand the scale and prestige of this program. Stem Racing, also previously known as the F1 in Schools competition, is the world’s largest STEM challenge, involving millions of students in over 60 countries. It’s a multi-disciplinary challenge where teams of students aged 9 to 19 design, analyze, manufacture, and race miniature compressed-air-powered cars. The program is officially endorsed by Formula 1 and is a proven pathway for students into engineering and motorsport careers.
At UCIS, students in Grades 3 through 6 will dive into this curriculum, operating as a real racing team. They’ll take on roles like Design Engineer, Marketing Manager, and Team Principal, learning to:
Design and Engineer: Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create their own miniature cars from scratch.
Apply Physics and Math: Test car aerodynamics, fine-tune performance, and apply concepts like force, friction, and velocity to improve their design.
Develop 21st-Century Skills: Create business plans, secure mock sponsorships, manage team budgets, and deliver formal presentations to judges.
This hands-on methodology transforms learning from a passive experience into an active adventure. Students see their classroom concepts come to life as their cars rocket down the track, allowing for direct, empirical learning and a deeper understanding of complex subjects.
The benefits of the STEM Racing program extend far beyond the technical skills of car design. By engaging in this collaborative and competitive environment, students are cultivating essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These are the very skills that modern workplaces demand.
Furthermore, the program offers a direct line of sight to a future career. Many alumni of the F1 in Schools program have gone on to achieve significant success, securing positions with actual Formula 1 teams like Aston Martin, Mercedes, and McLaren, as well as other engineering and technology firms. By starting early, UCIS is giving its students a significant head start on this career pathway.
The school is committed to expanding the program, with future plans for intra-school competitions, collaborative projects with other educational institutions, and preparing students to compete in regional and national F1 in Schools events. This initiative is about more than just speed; it’s about fostering a journey of discovery, teamwork, and critical thinking, nurturing a new generation of innovators ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.