Incredible Engineering in Primary ECA
How Primary Students Are Engineering Their Own 3D‑Printed Drag Cars
This year, our Primary 3D-Printed Drag Racing ECA has shifted into a thrilling new gear by embracing full 3D design and additive manufacturing. Under the guidance of Glenn Malcolm, Primary Technology teacher at Bangkok Patana, students crafted their own 3D‑printed race cars using CAD software such as TinkerCAD. Instead of taking the easy way out and working from templates, the team ensured every model met strict race specifications for dimensions, weight, wheelbase and fuel‑cell placement.
What truly sets this project apart is the power behind the races. Unlike the smaller canisters used in F1 in Schools, these cars are propelled by 12–16 gram CO₂ cartridges, producing dramatic thrust and creating an authentic drag‑racing experience. The performance has been astonishing – race times have already dropped to around 0.9 seconds over an 8‑metre track!
Perhaps the most impressive element has been the students’ skill and confidence. With two Year groups already familiar with 3D printing through the Primary Technology curriculum, they moved seamlessly from initial sketches to prototypes and final builds. They installed carbon‑fibre axles, used race‑grade wheels, and made clever adjustments for tolerances, clearances, and aerodynamics. The technical vocabulary now heard in the workshop rivals that of much older learners.
Safety has remained a priority throughout. Each car includes a central guide‑line channel to prevent lift at high speeds, and all launches are handled by an adult to ensure safe use of the pressurised CO₂ system.
Looking ahead, students will soon experience side‑by‑side racing with the introduction of dual launchers – a step that adds new engineering challenges. Once testing is complete, we hope to welcome spectators and even compete with other schools.
This ECA stands as a powerful reminder of what young learners can achieve when given real tools, real challenges, and the chance to think like engineers.
Bangkok Patana offers more than 500 ECA options to students from Years 1 through 13.
