ENGINEERING DESIGN & PROBLEM SOLVING
APPLIED MATERIALS
A representative from Applied Materials visits with students participating in the solar car race project to explain the process of design and answer questions. Later in the season, students will complete against other local high schools in solar car races. The activity encourages students to be creative while adhering to strict guidelines such as size and weight, which can result in disqualification if not met.
SOLAR CAR
Students are provided a kit including a solar panel and mechanical parts, and are given criteria and constraints to follow in designing and building a solar race car. They can use various materials but must take into consideration the weight and aerodynamics of the vehicle. Their design is then tested at a competition against other local high schools.
FORMULA ONE
Students create a Formula One CO2 car following certain criteria adhering to aerodynamic principles, design aesthetics, and quality. Components also included in the F1 in Schools competition are innovation/engineering, marketing, race times, pit display, portfolios, safety, team identity and verbal presentations.