SMARTT Challenge Middle School Program

The SMARTT Challenge program is proud to offer a curriculum designed expressly for middle school students based on the National Junior Solar Sprint program (JSS), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

This is a hands-on classroom-based program for 6th, 7th and 8th graders that has students applying math, science, solar energy technology, electrical vehicle construction and a big dose of creativity to design and build model solar race cars.

The JSS program provides each student with a standard photovoltaic panel and electric motor to build a car using these components as the sole power train. The design must also carry a 12-ounce soft drink can as cargo; but beyond that requirement, most anything goes. Model cars are judged on technical innovation, creativity and speed.

In May 2009 hundreds of students from across North Carolina will compete at McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University. Students are judged on creativity, technical innovation, and of course speed of their vehicles. This year is the largest event in the history of the program with fifty-two middle schools from Dare County to the Cherokee Reservation participating in the event. We need volunteers for judging, the race, parking, and registration. See the Volunteer Page for details.

For more information on the JSS portion of the SMARTT Challenge contact Jennifer Whitley by email or phone at 919-818-2377.

The JSS program is nationwide. According to the Department of Energy, the primary goals of the JSS program are to:

• Generate enthusiasm for science and engineering;
• Improve student understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies; and
• Encourage young people to consider technical careers at an early age.

For more information about the national JSS program and curriculum resources go to:
http://www.nrel.gov/education/jss_hfc.html