Year 8 SIDE students are building solar cars as part of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project for the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge. This initiative has been developed in partnership with the Science Teachers Association of WA.
Design and Technology teacher Des Coles and Science teacher Gerry Nolan have collaborated to work with groups of students to construct their cars. As part of developing their designs, students researched the effects of gearing; of voltage on motors; and, the effects of angles on solar power. Students are currently testing their results to determine the most effective configuration for their cars. Groups will compete against one another within the school and the winning team will then compete in the regional heat. The grand final will be held at Synergy parkland in Kings Park.
