This project was created as an assignment in Planning Interactive Curriculum Connections, an online class offered by Berrien RESA and taught by Janine Lim.
Topic: Build a small solar powered car
Time: 6 week time period.
Outcomes: The students will how to build a solar powered model car.
Learner Outcomes: The students will learn how to design and construct a solar powered car. The students will be sharing ideas and information with each other and conferencing with experts via e-mail and VC technology (if possible).
Materials: Parts to the vehicle, solar cell (from radio shack) wooden car body, other parts as needed.
What will teacher do? The teacher will provide help in the development of the car and with the skilled labor if necessary.
What will students do? The students will design and build the vehicle, as well as race it when finished.
Schedule: Week 1: Videos about the project, form groups, brainstorm ideas. Contact experts in the field by telephone or e-mail (at RPI or MIT or RIT) and try to set up a VC with people who have worked in this area. (for example: The MIT Solar Electric Vehicle Team is a student organization dedicated to educating students about solar electric vehicle design and construction by providing a hands-on environment in which students are encouraged to apply theories learned in the classroom.)
Week 2: Read literature on Solar Powered Vehicles (http://www.ktca.org/newtons/9/solarcar.html) and start working with model and learning how to solder wires.
Week 3-6: Start building the models and working to fit the necessary parts into it.
Participation: I will be doing this as an after school club activity so it will be open to anyone in the school. I would also like to have this lead to us trying to build a full sized electric car to compete in the "Tour Del Sol" next year. (spring 2006)
Connection: H.323 IP.