Ithaca College

ENVS will hold the first-ever model solar car race on the Fitness Quad at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 6! Students in this term’s introductory Environmental Science and Technology class built miniature (approximately 8” wide by 12” long) solar-powered cars using guidelines set by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Solar Sprint event. Student teams chose their preferred design; their cars (each one unique in design, durability, and appearance) will race on Tuesday. About six cars will compete in each heat, with the top three cars advancing to the next round. A one-foot tall barrier will be built at the end of the course into which all the cars must crash. The fastest and most durable car will be pronounced the winner!

With this project, students have been able to integrate the principles of solar power learned in lecture and laboratory into the design/build of a functioning car. Now, by racing these cars in public, students are carrying their knowledge and skills out to a wider audience. Students will explain their cars to the race audience via posters they created to describe the features of their cars, including Sketch-Up diagrams. Come watch the potential mayhem and cheer on your favorite car!

Note: In case of rain, we’ll move the event to the second floor atrium of CNS.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Carol Hansen at chansen@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-1822. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.