MARCH 2022
Check out the latest JSS headlines:
2022 National TSA Conference
Planning has begun for the 2022 national JSS event. Start making plans now to attend the 2022 National TSA Conference taking place June 26th-30th in Dallas, Texas. Visit the conference webpage for helpful information, including a link to Gaylord Texan Resort room reservations, which is now open. 
Cvent registration and solar kits
TSA Middle School Advisors: Many of you have requested and received kits, but have not yet registered on Cvent as required. Registration data helps to support the JSS program. Please ensure that all teachers and/or advisors, volunteers, and participants are registering at the Cvent link. Students can fill out the registration on their own—but they will need a parent/legal guardian’s digital signature on the “Additional Information” page of the registration.
Looking for ways to give your entry a boost?
Here are some tips and techniques suggested by JSS Event Coordinator Bob Walters:
Prototyping with Cardboard
Testing Concept
Wheel Diameter Comparison
Gear Ratio Analysis
CAD Model to Tactile Model
Mechanism Test
Roll Trial
Body Prototype .
. JSS Concept
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.
Gear Ratio
Gear Ratio with Pulleys or Gears
w/ SolarMade Gears
Pulley
w/ Pitsco Gears
Gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the driven gear by the number of teeth on the drive gear. If pulleys are used the gear ratio is determined by the relative circumference of the pulleys. The gear ratio along with the drive wheel diameter are critical factors which determine the speed of the JSS vehicle. Various occurrences of friction must be reduced to a minimum. These friction points include; guideline resistance, friction between gears, and the rubbing of axles in bearings. When mounting the motor and gears make sure that they mesh well. Also be aware that in addition to spinning, the axles will also move within the bearings, in directions which are perpendicular to the axle length. Up and down, for example. Wheels may spin when holding the vehicle in the air. If the vehicle does not move when it’s on the ground the culpert could be that the gears are too tightly connected.
Bearings
Polyethylene .
Nylon
. Steel
Bearings allow for the axles to spin with minimum resistance. Many techniques may be employed to reduce the unwanted friction. Choose bearing materials which are smooth and slippery. Take care to align bearings so that they are concentric.
Each month, learn more about AEOP and its STEM connections.
AEOP
AEOP has teamed up with the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) to bring JSS to you virtually through Minecraft: Education Edition.
JSS Jumpstart
This onsite, elementary school-based event provides 5th and 6th grade students who are housed in elementary schools with a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn more 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.
Get your engines started!
Get Your Engines Started! was the introductory session of an all-day training for new teacher advisors attending the AEOP Junior Solar Sprint NE Ohio Project, September 30, 2022, Youngstown, Ohio. The sixteen new AEOP JSS teacher advisors who attended the training also received a rolling container with everything they needed to engage 30 students in building and racing solar cars. Youngstown City Schools hosted the new teacher advisor training for 7 elementary schools and 3 middle schools.