Earlier this year, our PBIS students were presented with a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) opportunity by Horizon Education – the chance to build and race their very first Radio Controlled hydrogen car. "It was an unforgettable experience and a significant challenge. It motivated us to push ourselves, learning valuable skills along the way," comments Jacek, who seized the opportunity and assembled a formidable team of over 10 PBIS students. This team has worked tirelessly hard on building, testing and improving their car, which is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The cell uses small hydro sticks that are filled with hydrogen, produced through the hydrolysis of distilled water.
Our team, PBIS Hydro, then showed exceptional skill and commitment to a tight schedule by building a car that successfully completed the gruelling 4-hour qualification race, earning them a wildcard entry to the World Finals in Las Vegas in September.
"I was truly delighted with the opportunity this experience provided me and the team," says Bara, who last year exchanged a lead role in our production of Legally Blonde for a chief role in the construction of the car, highlighting the range of talents displayed by PBIS students.
"Our students are equipped to become the problem solvers of tomorrow, venturing into the automotive industry and enhancing it with clean energy sources," states Vendula Kobzova, the Head of Science at PBIS, who has been central to the success of the team. Together with Jiri Toman, the STEAM technician at PBIS, there's a plan to advance this programme further and potentially secure more victories. The Hydro PBIS crew are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to recruit and train a new team for the upcoming school year, with hopes of continually raising the bar.
Before that, all eyes are on Vegas. You can follow our team’s adventure in the States with the hashtag #PBISHydro
This journey is made possible by our sponsors:
Come on, it’s not rocket science. For some people it is! A 2022 graduate from PBIS, Ilyes is currently working on his bachelor's degree with a focus on mechanical engineering, physics, and computer science at Sorbonne University in Paris. Apart from his academic work, he’s also working on a modest side project: developing a jet engine. His approach, in his own words, is to “learn as much as possible about everything” so he can apply his knowledge to real-world situations and make the world a smarter, better place.
