On Saturday June 8th PSEA held its 31st annual Junior Solar Sprint at Drexel University in Philadelphia.  Students, teachers and parents joined the race coordinators and the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association on a spectacular, sunny day.  A great time was had by racers, spectators and the fabulous volunteers who make it all happen.   As always, there were many interesting and creative car designs, some thematic, some utilizing only recycled materials.  Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the following categories:

• Speed

• Technical Merit

• Artistic Merit

The Junior Solar Sprint is a national program, recognized for its excellence in STEM education.  In the process of building their model solar cars, students learn:

Fundamentals of solar photovoltaics (PV), how to convert solar energy into electricityBasic electrical circuitry and wiringBattery storagePhysics of energy transfer: converting solar energy into motion and speedGear ratios, alignment, relationship of wheel size to gear ratio

Middle school students from schools across the Philadelphia area design, build and race their model solar cars. Volunteers from the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA) and Drexel University work feverishly to put on this annual high energy event.

The program is now part of a larger SPRINTS solar education program, that includes 5th & 6th grade science curriculum written by PSEA and is available free of charge to schools. PSEA is committed to increasing the understanding and implementation of solar energy in PA, and to improving the quality of STEM education. The partnership with Drexel University brings young students directly in contact with engineers, scientists and educators who act as mentors and guides to young students, to help them explore these fields and career pathways.