Solar Sprint
March 2023
The Mile Marker provides updates and information about Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) and Senior Solar Sprint (SSS) — both of which are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competitions. JSS is administered by the Technology Student Association (TSA) through a grant awarded by the Army Educational Outreach Program. The SSS competition is administered by TSA. Both JSS and SSS empower teachers, mentors, and other community members to engage students in the designing, building, and racing of model solar cars.
Check out the latest Solar Sprint headlines:
Senior Solar Sprint
Senior Solar Sprint
TSA is pleased to announce a new high school solar vehicle competition, Senior Solar Sprint (SSS). SSS is managed by TSA. Students apply scientific understanding, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork to design, build, and race a model solar vehicle that carries a payload. Documentation of the process is required. Please contact Sue King at sking@tsaweb.org for questions.
TSA Student Member Registration
Once student members are ready to get started in JSS or SSS, they will need to register on Cvent. The important data provided from student registrations on Cvent supports the distribution of free kits to TSA chapters.
2023 National TSA Conference
Start making plans to participate in the Senior Solar Sprint and Junior Solar Sprint events in Louisville, Kentucky at the 2023 National TSA Conference. Cvent registration is required. More information for the 2023 National TSA Conference can be found here.
JSS Jumpstart
JSS Jumpstart
This onsite, elementary school-based event provides 5th and 6th grade students housed in elementary schools with a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn about solar and renewable energy by building solar-powered cars. There is no fee to participate in JSS Jumpstart; however, participants need to purchase their own supplies.
Looking for ways to give your entry a boost?
Here are some tips and techniques suggested by JSS Event Coordinator, Bob Walters:
Prototyping
Testing Concepts
Wheel Diameter Comparison
Gear Ratios Analysis
CAD Model to Tactile Model
Mechanism Test
Roll Trial
Many people struggle with 3D spatial visualization. Prototyping with materials often allows for enhanced ideation and sharing of ideas. Cardboard, which is readily available and recyclable, is well suited to prototyping a variety of JSS systems.
Material Selection: Lightweight and Strong
Balsa Wood Truss
Corrugated Cardboard
Foamcore Board
Given that all vehicles use panels with basically the same power output and identical motors, one of the most important advantages to design into a vehicle is to have less mass for the panel and motor to move. Also a vehicle that is not stable will have undue friction to overcome. Therefore, selecting materials that are both lightweight and strong is essential.
Reduce Friction: Axles and Bearings
Polished Axle
Dirty Axle and Overhanging Bearing
Wheel Rubbing on Chassis
Polishing the axles reduces friction. Bearing surfaces should be smooth and slick. Materials such as nylon or steel work well. Mount the bearing so that it overhangs the edge of the chassis, ensuring the wheel does not rub on the chassis. Considering that very little power is available, this rubbing often will stop the vehicle.
Each month, learn more about AEOP and its STEM connections.
What is AEOP?
For more than 50 years, AEOP has supported a wide range of educational opportunities in STEM for youth, college, and graduate students, as well as valued teachers. From elementary school through graduate school, students of all proficiency levels, interests, and social and economic backgrounds are encouraged to participate in real-world STEM experiences while also engaging with Army-sponsored mentors.