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Project Goal

With this grant, I will purchase materials that will allow my fourth and fifth grade gifted students to learn about sustainable energy in a fun and exciting way. Through research and hands-on activities, students will understand the differences between renewable energy sources and non-renewable energy sources.

After researching clean energy, we will focus on solar energy and the photovoltaic cell. Students will use the design cycle to design, plan, create, and evaluate an aerodynamic, solar powered vehicle. While building our solar cars, students will investigate gear ratios, aerodynamics, and friction to create a vehicle with the fastest speed. Students will collect and analyze data throughout the project, to continuously improve their prototype. Not only is this project engaging for my students, but it will foster communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. 

 

Category

Other -  

 

How Project Benefits Students

It is important that students learn from an early age that everything we do impacts the environment in some way. This unit utilizes engaging STEM activities to teach important principles of environmental science and builds understanding of sustainable energy – what it is, how it works, and why it is important. Opening this door encourages students to think creatively and consider new possibilities – the key to engineering.

Students will also have the opportunity to explore engineering principles as they design, build, and test their solar car, giving them a sense of accomplishment. My ultimate goal is to make STEM fun and engaging, which in turn will foster we can develop lifelong learners and future engineers. 

 

Expected Outcome(s)

After completing this unit, students will have a more complete understanding of solar energy, including how a photovoltaic cell produces energy. Will use their newly acquired knowledge of aerodynamics and gear ratios to create the fastest car possible. They will learn how to calculate the speed of their vehicle as they collect and analyze data.

Finally, in the spring Hillsborough County will host two Solar Car Races. Students work in pairs to race their cars in a bracket style competition. In the past, my students have really enjoyed these competitions. Not only do they learn teamwork and sportsmanship, but it is a great opportunity for students to collaborate with other students across Hillsborough County.

Measurable Goals:
All students will work through the design cycle in order to design, build, and test their own solar car.
Students will demonstrate a 20% gain in knowledge of renewable/nonrenewable resources, as evidenced by a pre and post test.
During test trials, students will calculate their vehicle speed with 80% accuracy.  

 

Detailed Cost Summary

The grant will cover the cost of a solar car kit for 35 students purchased from Pitsco. Each kit will include a motor, balsa wood sheets, nylon spacers, alligator clips, wheels, axels, rubber bands, gears, and a battery holder.

Materials will be purchased from: https://www.pitsco.com/Ray-Catcher-Solar-Vehicle-Refill-Kit 

 

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