Introduction

Mission Statement

To promote and develop interest and expertise in using solar energies by school students throughout the world by using active learning processes in addressing real challenges. By so doing, it is hoped that the citizens, scientists and engineers of the future will be more likely to participate in developing a more environmentally aware approach to energy usage, both by more efficient use of old technologies and appropriate introduction of renewables.

Boats Overview

The objective is to develop a boat that will travel along a guide line suspended above the water from one end to the other of a 10 metre long pool, in the shortest possible time. Boats will race each other in the pool to determine the winner. There are several divisions catering for very simple boats with hulls designed and constructed by primary students from recycled materials, to more sophisticated moulded hulls and drive systems utilising electronics that are designed and constructed by secondary students.

The committee believes that the skills necessary to build a competitive boat are more appropriate for younger students. By competing in the boat race, students experience learning in a technology based problem solving activity. The experience so gained can then be utilized in designing an entry for the more technically demanding car race.

Car Overview

This event is a race for model solar cars designed and built by school age students which compete over a 100 metre figure "8" circuit. Two cars race at a time guided by parallel guides attached to the track surface.

A "round robin" involving 3 preliminary rounds in which each car races three other designated cars, will begin the competition. Results from these "round robin" races will be used to "seed" the cars, i.e. allocate them to groups in such a way that the faster cars should not compete against each other in the earlier rounds of the subsequent elimination competition. The elimination competition following the "round robin" sees the winners continue to the next round, the losers are eliminated and race no further. This process of elimination continues until a winner is decided by being the only undefeated car. Final rounds may consist of a number of "heats" in which each car may win one or more heats. However, the winner will be the car which wins the most heats. Winning cars will be invited to represent Victoria at the national competition.

Sheridan Car Challenge Overview

Formally known as Kit Cars the Sheridan Car Challenge is intended to be an interim step between the Boats and Cars. This event is a race for model solar kit cars built by students. There are 2 divisions within the Sheridan event for kit cars. Division 1 is for cars built from the components supplied in the kit (note solar panels not supplied in kit). Division 2 allows modifications to the basic kit car to increase performance. A "round robin," involving 3 preliminary rounds in which each car races other designated cars, will begin the competition. This round robin is conducted on an oval track with a single guide rail. The cars race each other in a pursuit style event.

Based on the results of the round robin, cars are allocated into groups which compete in an elimination competition in which the winners continue to the next round, the losers are eliminated and race no further. This process of elimination continues until a winner is decided by being the only undefeated car. Final rounds will be held on either the oval track or the figure 8 track. In multi heat races the winner will be the car which wins most heats.

Students after competing in this event, are encouraged to apply what they have learnt by designing and developing a car to compete in the model solar car challenge.

Mars Rover Overview

This is an open competition for model solar powered "Mars Rover" (MR) cars built by parents, teachers, students and any others who are interested. The track consists of a series of plywood sections with varying surfaces including a water splash. This is essentially an "obstacle course". The track is divided down the centre so that 2 cars can travel over the track without interference.

The exact format of the competition will be determined once registrations are known and will be announced at the competition.