The Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge began in 1990, as a model car race, and has been held in October each year, ever since. A boat race was added to the program in 1994, aimed principally at primary school students and a National Event was introduced in 1993 for the top 4 or 5 cars, and boats, from each state.
To compete in our event students must build model boats or cars that fulfill outlined specifications, and then power them with solar panels. They are required to complete a poster on solar technologies and the older students must also address a panel who ask questions about the design and construction of their cars.
The Model Solar Vehicle Challenge aims to provide more school students with a fun engineering experience that links the curriculum they undertake in their classrooms with a real life experience. The challenge will encourage students to participate in and subsequently become more interested in learning about science and technology that cover areas such as alternative energies and all areas of vehicle design and manufacture. Through our project, students are able to see a practical use for their studies and this has been shown to lead students on to engineering at university.
The Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge Committee is a group of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that ‘The Challenge’ is held every year at ScienceWorks. The Committee will conduct Professional Development sessions (where possible) for teachers and students and can provide large amounts of support material. If you are interested in these services please contact us.
http://www.modelsolar.org.au/
Post time: Jun-17-2017