Beckman Student Competes in STEM Racing

Through STEM Racing, Beckman student Charles Wu and his team have taken on the challenge of designing and engineering miniature Formula 1-style cars, blending physics, modeling, aerodynamics, teamwork, and strategy. STEM Racing by Formula 1 is an international racing competition for secondary students. Student groups design and manufacture a miniature F1 car using CAD/CAM and CAE design tools. These cars are powered by carbon dioxide cartridges and attached to the track by a nylon wire.

Charles recently shared with ABC7 how his team, supported by the engineering program at Beckman, began with brainstorming & sketching ideas, then moved on to virtual simulations, and finally to manufacturing prototypes. Students like Charles are demonstrating that STEM isn’t confined to labs and textbooks; it’s dynamic, fast-moving, and here for students who are ready to race.