|
|
Education |
Junior Solar Sprint The JSS offers 5-8th graders an opportunity to design and build a miniature solar car, and to compete in an annual competition at local, state-wide and regional levels. Building a vehicle for a Junior Solar sprint competition is a challenging hands-on project, which has a different feel from textbook problem solving, or even traditional science labs. There is no single correct answer. Working in teams, the students are provided with kits which include only a motor and a solar panel. Students are encouraged to use math and science principles, together with their creativity, in a project that stimulates enthusiasm for science at a critical stage in their development. The project culminates in a competition where prizes for innovation of design, craftsmanship, technical merit, and speed are awarded. Grades 5 - 8. National Championship Coordinator: Northeast Regional Championship Coordinator: |
Electrathon®
America Introduced in Australia, Electrathon racing has become very popular in the United States - 28 states are involved around the country! Electrathon is a one-person electric vehicle competition. Though this is a substantial project, it is not as involved or expensive as building a full scale car (about $1,000). The end product is an off-road vehicle that will race on a 1/4 mile track or parking lot. The vehicle that goes the farthest in one hour wins. Grades 9 - 12. National Headquarters: |
The 4th Annual Great American Alternative Energy Vehicle Competition
Sponsored by Central Connecticut State University's Department of Technology Education, this event has events for solar electric, pedal powered, and spring powered vehicles. Grades 9 - 12. Contact: |
Electric Go-Cart Competition An annual electric go-cart event for students in Pennsylvania. Teams retrofit a four wheeled go-cart with a 1 hp electric motor to enter the event. Grades 9 - 12. For more information contact: Becky Givler |
SOLAR BikeRayce USA The Solar BikeRayce USA was created to provide high school students with an opportunity to apply technologies in much the same way that Junior Solar Sprint and Sunrayce do for middle school and university students respectively. Solar BikeRayce USA adds an extra dimension in both design and strategy by allowing pedal power. Regional events will be held in the DC/PA area, Colorado and other sites. Workshops are usually held before an event. Grades 9 - 12. For workshop information contact: For BikeRayce information contact: |
Winston Solar Challenge The Winston Solar Challenge is the first solar car race developed specifically for high school solar racing vehicles. The goal of the Winston Solar Car Challenge is to encourage students to have fun exploring the world of science through solar technology. The first Challenge in 1995 consisted of three different 71 mile road courses in Dallas county over three days. The 1996 Winston Solar Challenge was a three day closed-track event (75 miles per day). In 1997 the Winston Solar Challenge was back on the road with a cross-country event from Dallas to San Antonio. In 1998 it will return to a closed-track event with three days of racing at the Texas Motor Speedway and in 1999 back on the road traveling from Dallas to L.A. Grades 10 - 12. For more information contact |
Carolina EV Challenge The Carolina EV Challenge is more than a EV race for high school students. As students prepare for race day they partake in learning about and developing electric vehicle technologies, developing community involvement, fundraising and promotional activities. |
NESEA American Tour de Sol. The US electric vehicle road rally championship is an annual event organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) of Greenfield, MA. NESEA invites anyone with an electric, hybrid or solar assisted electric vehicle who wishes to showcase their vehicle, test their mettle, and promote electric transportation to the general public and the press to enter the event. Approximately 50 vehicles are accepted on a first-come first-served basis within published criteria. Write for "potential entrant packet," at no charge. Rules cost $20. Grades: 10 - 12. Ages 16 - Adult. Contact: |
EVTC (Electric Vehicle Technology Competitions) The EVTC conducts electric vehicle competitions to increase public awareness of electric vehicles, and provide laboratories for high school and university students to work out real life solutions to textbook problems. They hold one annual event in the Northeast, and the granddaddy of their series is in Arizona. Grades 10 - 12. Ages 16 - Adult. Contact the EVTC for a complete listing of events: |
Sun Day Challenge
The seventh annual Electric Vehicle rally is a weekend event for electric and solar vehicles. Their categories include: Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Cross Country Vehicles, Solar - 1 person, Solar - 2 person, and Indy Style. Grades 10 - 12. Ages 16 - Adult. For details contact |
Solar Splash Boat race Entering its 5th year, about 20 teams, including high schools as of last year, compete in this international event. If you are interested in building a solar boat, give them a call - they may also know about other events around the country, or perhaps you would like to start one yourself! Grades 12 - Collegiate. Contact: |