Name: Cowasaki

Allocated industry: GRAIN

What years and KLA classes were involved?

Year 7 – 10 Gifted and Talented Team

Theme:  Bioenergy - the importance of renewable bioenergy made from Australian grains as a form of clean and powerful fuel for everyday vehicles.

Concept:

Our design is educational and informative. Through our research we discovered that E10 ethanol fuel is sourced from Australian wheat via the starch production process; our grain fuelled ‘Mootorbike’ highlights this and educates young people about how this renewable bioenergy fuel product is made.

Side 1

Mootorbike is a big and powerful ‘beast’, based on a mambo-esque aesthetic. From the working headlight right through to the grain flames, Cowasaki shows that ethanol made from wheat as a form of bioenergy is a powerful fuel for vehicles. The wheat sheafs sticking out of the exhaust pipe and the use of the wheat grain in the fuel pump shows the observer what wheat looks like in different forms which helps visually represent the concept of being able to “grow” renewable and clean fuels. The bumper stickers further communicate the theme as well as injecting humour into the design, as well as the number plate design.

Side 2

The second side shows two infographs, the main design is an educational infograph depicting the cycle from farm to fuel. Specifically it depicts the production of ethanol from wheat starch. The smaller infographic has been made to symbolise a fuel pump highlighting the benefits of bio-fuels. This side also includes three-dimensional elements such as scientific glassware representing distillation, and the end product of ethanol symbolised by a jerry can.

The connection of the jerry can to Cowasaki’s fuel tank by the grain-filled hose has dual significance. It represents the cyclical concept of renewability, growth, and the natural growth cycle of plants as a fuel source by connecting both sides of the cow.  This also shows the ‘clean’ growth image of green wheat fields contrasted with the industrial use connected by the hose. The clear hose creates interest for people, especially children, looking at the design to inspire them to ask how the motorbike could be fuelled by grains.

A 3-D printer was used by students to design and make a key ring for the bike and a mini petrol pump to incorporate an additional element of technology (STEM) into the design.

The road underneath the bike has been designed using stylised wheat plant designs created by one year 7 student after looking at wheat grains under a microscope and the shape of the plant, inspired by henna designs. This was included to highlight the grain itself and reinforce the learning of what wheat looks like; also it is designed to add a contemporary look.

Stylistic influences:

Mambo

Motorbike tank shapes and designs

Wheat plant and grains

Henna designs

Infographics

Students imagination, creativity and artistic talent

What makes your Archibull unique?

Both sides, whist very different in aesthetic are connected via the petrol hose. This unifies the whole design that reflects the idea of the cyclical nature of bio fuels by bringing together the growth of wheat on one side and the metallic engine, end-use of this fuel on the other. It is big and powerful looking which shows that biofuels are not weak or of lower quality because they come from plants – they can power up a ‘beast’ of a bike. It is simple yet complex in the meaning. It is made from up-cycled parts many of which could be found equally in city streets or country sheds. Cowasaki has a wild look about it which also adds an element of escape. It is clearly unique!