Race to Innovation: Electric Go-Karts — Grades 9-10

This course engages students in the design and construction of go-karts using equipment found in real go-karts. Students work in specialised teams — Mechanical, Electrical, Design, and Social Media — mirroring real-world project structures.

The curriculum emphasises the engineering design process, teamwork, and project management, while integrating principles of mechanics, electronics, and digital design. It culminates in a final race event where students showcase their technical achievements and collaborative skills.

What students will be able to do

• Recognise the benefit of electric motors and how they help save the environment
• Recognise the different types of motors and how to choose between them
• Understand the engineering design process and apply it to building a functional go-kart
• Recognise the role of mechanics, electronics, and digital design in real engineering projects
• Explain how teamwork and role specialisation contribute to project success
• Test design prototypes for safety, functionality, and performance under real conditions
• Understand how energy, motion, and forces affect vehicle performance and efficiency
• Recognise the importance of project management, timelines, and resource allocation
• Apply digital design and media tools to visualise, document, and present technical work
• Practise safety awareness and technical responsibility in workshop environments

Topics

1. What Makes a Go-Kart Go?
2. Electrical Basics: Motors & Power
3. Mechanical Basics: Chassis Design
4. Wheels & Steering System
5. How to Weld, Wire, and Design Like Pros
6. Installing the BLDC Motor
7. Wiring the Power System
8. Testing Motors with the Chassis
9. Body & Aesthetics
10. Driving Tests
11. Final Race & Showcase

Standards

NGSS: HS-ETS1-1:4, HS-ESS3-4, HS-PS2-1, HS-PS2-2, HS-PS3-3, HS-PS3-5

Delivered in class and in workshop. Pairs with the Electric Go-Kart Build Kit.