With devices that enable us to put the world in our pockets, sophisticated droids that now recognise human gestures… and with cars that can reach speeds of up to 344.4 km/h on the race track, do we ever stop to consider the origin of this trailblazing technology? All too often, we forget about the learning, the development, the construction, and the people that make these innovations possible.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) education supports the people behind the big brands as they make the brave leap from being users of technology into being steadfast innovators. It’s with STEM education in mind that the not-for-profit organisation, F1 in Schools, first raced to life.
Transforming students into future innovators.Providing an exciting-yet-challenging educational experience through the magnetic appeal of Formula 1, F1 in Schools is the only truly global educational programme that raises awareness of STEM and Formula 1 among students around the globe - all outside of the classroom.
The STEM Challenge exists to inspire school-age students to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills, and financial strategy.
F1 in Schools founder, Andrew Denford explains, “The STEM Challenge mimics the project of a Formula 1 team. In a Formula 1 race, you see the driver and the car, but that isn’t the end. Behind the scenes, there are hundreds of engineers, designers, technologists, marketers and sponsorship representatives.”
On Sunday 24 November, F1 in Schools will welcome 55 teams from 22 countries to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as they compete in the F1 in Schools World Finals 2019 supported by ADNOC, where they will race their self-designed, self-constructed air-powered cars.
But this year’s competition will be different. F1 in Schools will be taking an almighty stand against unoriginality within its programme. As part of its new regulations, F1 in Schools will ask all competing teams to submit a plagiarism declaration so that new portfolios can be submitted to Turnitin and checked against those from previous F1 in Schools World Finals.
“STEM education is an area of increasing importance in today's technology-driven world, but like any other academic discipline it must be held to high standards of integrity,” says Cees Poortman, Turnitin Regional VP for EMEA.
Given the highly competitive and collaborative nature of STEM education, as well as the high stake prizes available to the winners—including university scholarships —the focus must be on protecting the intellectual property of participants in the World Finals.
There is no room for unoriginality in innovation.With the fastest-growing, global industries requiring STEM skills, it’s not surprising that industry growth is reliant on original and ingenious concepts. Without originality, there is no innovation. And without innovation, this strength of our global education system and the wider economy is threatened.
When leaving intellectual property open to imitation defeats ingenuity, how far might you go to protect the hard work of our future innovators?
Turnitin’s commitment to STEM.In a recent webinar about writing in the STEM classroom, Dr Richard Warren notes, “Science is not an art but there is an art in communicating scientifically.” He also suggests, “Technical research writing [in the STEM classroom] is pivotal in order to prove your research process and product. One must be able to do that clearly and concisely for both an academic audience and the general population.”
If you’re interested in supporting students’ growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Turnitin’s solution, Feedback Studio, can be used for writing in STEM disciplines. Check out these STEM resources for Feedback Studio to enhance scientific thinking and writing in your curriculum.
But if it’s more than just extended essays you need to mark, Gradescope’s breadth of compatible assignment types—from paper-based exams, quizzes, and homework, to online assignments—helps reduce the time and pain associated with traditional grading, particularly for STEM courses.
Interested in watching the F1 in Schools World Finals 2019 supported by ADNOC? The live YouTube stream will be available on Sunday 24th November at 10am GMT+4.