 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||
 |
||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Team's History
Team Crocodile from Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of
Cambridge was formed by Rik Balsod five years ago. The prime function was to
make the car a learning tool so everybody can join in discussions and also share
ideas and work as a team. It was built to meet the rules set by Shell Mileage
Marathon body.It was powered by a 26cc 4 stroke streamer engine from U.S.A. and
most of the work was done after work hours and weekends with the help of
technicians and researchers. We have designed and built a new car for this year
with 27cc 4 stroke fuel injected engine. As there seems to be a lack of
apprenticeship and the industrial training we at the Cavendish Laboratory have
exhibited the car during the National Science Week and also exhibit it at the
Physics At Work talks held only at the Cavendish Labs where we get 3,500 to
4,000 school children from 14 to 18 years of age. The talks last 30 minutes with
classes of 25 - 30 pupils 3 to 4 topics are covered and talks last 5 days. The
car attracts lots of attention as it involves subjects such as Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Design and Technology in Mechanical and Electronics,
Computing, I.T. and Business Studies, Graphic Design and Art work. This type of
projects gives youngsters hands on experience and they should be encouraged in
education establishments as the country needs young engineers and technicians.
Not everyone expects to become academics and there are many youngsters who are
very technical minded any type of hands on projects would be beneficial. In
schools Shell Eco Marathon type projects boosts the morale of children and the
whole schools and also give them sense of achievement.Achievements
The above are the results of the "Team Crocodile" It has also been Exhibited at the National Science Week, Physics at Work at Cavendish Laboratory , Army base open day ,United States Air Force Bases, 90th Birthday of Marshals of Cambridge Airport and Company. We also take the car to lot of schools to display during lessons for half days to encourage pupils into this type of projects. Team Crocodile has also appeared in local Cambridge news papers and National news papers Times News and Sunday Times, Cambridge University News letter and Physics World Magazine which is sent all over the world to research fellows and the academia. It has also appeared in BBC TV, ITV and Sky programs, and American National TV. This year "Team Crocodile" has been on Anglia ITV at the Cavendish Laboratory and at the Rockingham Motor Sports Circuit near Corby, during the Shell Eco Marathon World Championship 2001.It was shown on Anglia TV. It was also televised by BBC and the B.S.N. and it was shown over hundreds of stations World Wide. |