Post by chero on Jun 5, 2007 22:14:03 GMT -5
I swear I'll make a Miscellaneous category one of these days, but I'm leaving on vacation soon so I'll make one when I get back on June 14 sometime. Anyways, here's an interesting article from the Miami Herald about the Solar car project that my high school is doing here in South Florida:
If you want to see the online article, click HERE. The Solar Knights are holding an Adopt-A-Cell sponsorship program to help with the funds. It's $20 for individuals and $50 for small corporations.
SOUTH PLANTATION HIGH
Solar car project needs . . . gas
South Plantation High magnet students are ready to race the solar-powered car they built -- if they get help navigating a rough patch.
They are almost at the starting gate. After spending more than 18 months building a fully functional solar-powered car, there is one last detour for South Plantation High School students ready to take it on the road.
''As gas prices rise over the summer, our price for the trip rises,'' said Allan Phipps, the Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher overseeing the project.
The students need an estimated $15,000 to take part in the Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge, a 1,600-mile race from Round Rock, Texas, to New York.
The race is a national challenge designed to teach high school students how to build roadworthy solar-powered cars.
The students already have raised close to $40,000 through sponsorships, grants and donations to build the 17-foot vehicle, called the Solar Knight. They've spent countless nights, weekends and vacations designing and building it.
The irony now is that their project, designed to help hone alternative energy sources, is being slowed by our dependence on oil.
''They are supporting alternative energy, research and environmental education,'' Phipps said. ``They have taken what they have learned in the classroom and returned that knowledge to the community by showing the rest of the nation what can be done with alternative energy.''
The students, all part of the school's environmental sciences magnet program, are the only team from Florida in the race. They'll compete against 10 schools from across the country beginning July 16.
The Solar Knight is a 3-wheeled vehicle capable of reaching speeds of 40 mph. It is topped by solar panels and run by a touch-screen laptop computer.
''It's cool that we have raised a lot of money and figured out how to make everything work,'' said senior Daniel Myers, the build team captain.
A team of about eight students, Phipps and adult chaperons will accompany the Solar Knight. But the whole project could break down if corporate or individual sponsors don't step up to help.
While the solar car does not need any gasoline, their two support vehicles must stop daily to refuel. They are also looking for a truck and minivan -- rental or dealership donation -- to pull their 20-foot trailer and carry the team members. Add to that room and board for 12 people for 18 days.
Phipps said the students are sharing what they've learned with others, demonstrating their solar car at community events in Broward and Miami-Dade County. They're also creating a curriculum to share with middle school students.
Like the others, senior Noah Stahl is off to college next fall.
''It's going to be a great way to spend our summer before all going our separate ways,'' he said.
To help, e-mail Allan.Phipps@broward schools.com or call 954-817-0110. Learn more about the Solar Knight at www.sphssolarknights.com.
If you want to see the online article, click HERE. The Solar Knights are holding an Adopt-A-Cell sponsorship program to help with the funds. It's $20 for individuals and $50 for small corporations.
(I think that the titles of the sponsors are cute.) Don't feel obligated to donate. I just wanted to share this "bright" idea that my high school came up with. Thanks so much for reading!Solar Knights Corporate Sponsors
$5000+ Super Nova
$2500-4999 Super Giant
$1000-2499 Red Giant
$500-999 Pulsar
$250-499 Neutron Star
$100-249 Photon Solar Cells
Good luck, SPHS Solar Knights!!