Sustainable Solar-Powered Cars
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Students used engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar-powered model car. After taking a deep dive into the principles of aerodynamics and car design, students were tasked with designing and building sustainable solar-powered cars. Students were provided with a kit that included a photovoltaic panel, wheels, axles and drive gears. Students were also provided with options to build the chassis out of cardboard, milk cartons, Balsa Wood or paper tubes. Students must assemble and secure all parts to chassis. The testing of the solar car culminates in a solar race between classmates. Building and testing a solar car combines aspects of electrical and mechanical engineering. After this activity, students should be able to connect a solar photovoltaic panel to a motor and run the motor forwards and backward.