Hundreds Of Area Students Prepare To Compete In 2nd Annual "Long Beach Solar Grand Prix"; They'll Design, Build & Race Model Cars Powered Entirely By The Sun

(Jan. 24, 2011) -- An estimated 500-600 students, teachers and parents gathered on Saturday morning (Jan. 22) to receive pre-race instructions as they prepare to compete in the 2nd Annual Long Beach Solar Grand Prix.

The solar-powered model car race, scheduled for April 9, 2011 in El Dorado Park, is an intellectual and engineering challenge. Teams of middle and high schools students are given solar panels and a small electric motor (photo below).

The teams then apply their scientific and creative abilities to design and build from scrach -- using any materials they choose -- a model car powered entirely by the sun. Their team's car then races against similarly created solar powered model cars built by other teams.

Last year's inaugural event, organized by Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, has grown beyond expectations.

In Jan. 2010, a little over 200 people attended the organizational meeting. Archival photo right via 5th dist. Council office

This year's response (photo below) was over twice that, requiring the briefing to be held in the LB Water Dept's large auditorium. The photo below shows only middle school teams. A separate wave of teams from high schools arrived about 90 minutes later.

Jan. 22, 2011

To launch VIDEO coverage, click embedded image below:

The large response has also caused organizers to move the race from Good Neighbor Park (greenspace fronting the Senior Center) to a more spacious El Dorado Park sports field.

The solar powered model cars will race on a 20 meter (65-foot), specially built wooden race course, built by local carpenters donating their services.

Sunlight will provide the cars' only power source; no batteries or energy storage devices are permitted.

Teams are comprised of 2-4 members, with a coach (teacher, parent, or other volunteer) to assist. Awards will be given to the middle school and high school teams with the fastest vehicle and for design.

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