{"id":451,"date":"2026-09-16T18:14:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T18:14:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ndovu.org.uk\/cs\/?p=451"},"modified":"2026-10-10T11:42:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-10T11:42:20","slug":"stem-racing-1-1-the-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ndovu.org.uk\/cs\/stem-racing-1-1-the-start\/","title":{"rendered":"STEM Racing – 1.1 The start"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The section below covers how we will start to build the car. You will then be able to improve your design through testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst the car is obviously a key part of this event the driver, the marketing and all the other sections needed to make a successful team are needed if your team is to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drivers can start by practicing their reaction time here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/ndovu.org.uk\/racing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learning Fusion 360 for STEM Racing Cars<\/h2>\n

Here is a guide to help beginners learn the basics of Autodesk Fusion 360 to design a STEM Racing (F1 in Schools) car.<\/p>\n

Designing a STEM Racing car requires understanding the basic rules of the competition (like the exclusion zones and minimum thicknesses) and knowing how to use CAD software to model a fast, aerodynamic shape. Before you begin, make sure to review the official STEM Racing rules and resources<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Step 1: Getting Access and Setup<\/h3>\n

Autodesk provides free educational licenses for students and educators.<\/p>\n

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  1. Go to the Autodesk Education Community<\/strong> website and create an account.<\/li>\n
  2. Verify your student or educator status to unlock the software.<\/li>\n
  3. Download and install Autodesk Fusion 360<\/strong> (often referred to simply as Fusion).<\/li>\n
  4. Get a mouse:<\/strong> Fusion 360 is extremely difficult to navigate with a trackpad. A standard three-button mouse with a scroll wheel is essential for panning and orbiting your view.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n\n

    Step 2: Learn the Fusion 360 Interface<\/h3>\n

    Before trying to design a car, you need to understand how the software works.<\/p>\n

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    • The Data Panel (Top Left):<\/strong> This is where your projects and files are saved in the cloud.<\/li>\n
    • The Toolbar (Top):<\/strong> Contains the tools for sketching, extruding, modifying, and assembling parts.<\/li>\n
    • The Browser (Left side):<\/strong> This is your feature tree. It lists every body, sketch, and component in your design. It’s crucial for keeping your work organized.<\/li>\n
    • The Timeline (Bottom):<\/strong> Fusion 360 is “parametric,” meaning it records every step you take. You can go back in time to edit a sketch or feature, and the rest of the model will update automatically.<\/li>\n
    • The ViewCube (Top Right):<\/strong> Click the faces, edges, or corners of this cube to rotate your view.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n

      Step 3: Master the Core CAD Tools<\/h3>\n

      STEM Racing cars are mostly designed using a few core techniques:<\/p>\n

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      • 2D Sketching:<\/strong> Everything starts flat. You will need to learn how to draw lines, arcs, and splines, and how to apply “Constraints” (like making a line perfectly horizontal) and “Dimensions” (setting a line to exactly 50mm).<\/li>\n
      • Extrude:<\/strong> This pulls a flat 2D sketch into a 3D object.<\/li>\n
      • Loft:<\/strong> This is a more advanced tool that connects two differently shaped sketches (like a square and a circle) into a smooth 3D shape. This is heavily used for the aerodynamic curves of an F1 car body.<\/li>\n
      • Fillet\/Chamfer:<\/strong> Tools used to round off or angle sharp edges to improve aerodynamics and safety.<\/li>\n
      • Mirror:<\/strong> You generally only need to design half of the car. You can then use the mirror tool to flip it perfectly across the center plane to create a symmetrical vehicle.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n

        Step 4: Video Tutorials for STEM Racing Cars<\/h3>\n

        The most effective way to learn is to follow along with dedicated tutorials. Mr. Marotti<\/strong> has an excellent, highly recommended multi-part YouTube series specifically designed to walk beginners through creating an F1 in Schools \/ STEM Racing car from scratch. Another great resource is Peacock Learning Studio<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Follow along with these straightforward instructions to help first-time students create a working basic car:<\/p>\n\n

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        1. Car Body (Mr. Marotti – Part 1)<\/h4>\n \n
        \n How to start your file:<\/strong>\n

        Fusion 360 uses a top-down approach, meaning you don’t need to choose between a “Part” or “Assembly” template before you begin. Every new file is just a generic “Design”. To start along with this first video:<\/p>\n

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        1. Open Fusion 360:<\/strong> The software automatically opens a blank, new file.<\/li>\n
        2. Start a Sketch:<\/strong> Click Create Sketch<\/strong> in the top left toolbar.<\/li>\n
        3. Select your Plane:<\/strong> Click on the vertical plane facing you (between the blue and red lines).<\/li>\n
        4. Start Drawing:<\/strong> Select the Rectangle<\/strong> tool, click the center origin point, and draw your first rectangle (32.5mm by 50mm) to represent half of the foam block.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/div>\n\n

          This video covers the initial setup and modeling the main fuselage.<\/p>\n