Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competition
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory hosts the Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell (JSS/HFC) Car Competition. Middle School teams from all around Colorado participate in this fun, educational, and exciting event every May. Teams work together building solar cars with guidance from a parent or teacher coach to compete in race and design categories. A "Spirit Award" is also presented to the team recognized for good sportsmanship.
Building cars for the JSS/HFC car competitions require skills in both math and science. The primary goal of the JSS/HFC program is to generate enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills at a crucial stage in the development of young people. The competition also helps improve students' understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies, and encourages young people to consider technical careers at an early age.
JSS/HFC Registration
The next JSS/HFC Car Competition will be on May 12, 2012. Registration information is forthcoming.
JSS/HFC Rules and Regulations
Sources for JSS/HFC Kits and Accessories
From the suppliers listed here, you can order kits containing solar cells modules and electric motors, surplus motors, and gears.
Resources
Classroom Investigations
Teachers, mentors, and their students can use this publication to explore the components of model solar cars. It includes investigations and experiments to improve car performance.So… You Want to Build a Model Solar Car
Written for teachers and students who want to participate in JSS, this document contains teacher background on photovoltaics, classroom activities for measuring solar cell output and understanding transmission components, tips on the vehicle construction process, hints for transmission design, formulas for calculating vehicle performance, and design considerations.Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Cars of Tomorrow: Grades 9-12 (PDF's 1-4)
This document teaches students about the impact of today's transportation systems on their communities and explores the possible effects of shifting to alternative-fuel vehicles. The curriculum includes 35 hours of activities that help students develop problem-solving, creative-thinking, and decision-making skills.Inside Tips on Parts and Construction
This booklet helps students identify possible options for obtaining parts to build the vehicle's drive train and chassis and provides formulas for determining appropriate gear ratios and wheel sizes.An Introduction to Building a Model Solar Car: Student Guide for the Junior Solar Sprint Competition
This guide assists students in the selection of components and materials for creating model solar cars. The publication identifies potential problems based on components chosen for chassis, wheels and bearings, power source, transmission and body shell and discusses possible solutions.Teacher and Mentor Guide
Suggestions to teachers and mentors for integrating JSS activities into their classroom curriculums are presented here. Useful background information about the role of a technical mentor, recommendations for teaching "hands-on" design in classroom groups, a description of the engineering design process, and an eight-week lesson plan can be gleaned from this guide.Washington Teacher Lesson Materials
Useful course materials on building solar and hydrogen fuel cell cars.How To Build A Junior Solar Sprint Car
Learn how to build a JSS car step by step.
Hosting a JSS/HFC Event
JSS/HFC Car Competitions can be hosted by individuals, organizations, or schools. Hosts coordinate regional competitions by contacting middle/junior high schools; assigning technical mentors to the students and teachers; and planning, organizing, and conducting races.
Regional Junior Solar Sprint Car Competition Sites
Resources
Host Site Guide Book
If you are interested in being a host, here is a guidebook.
Contact
For more information about the JSS/HFC competitions, contact Linda Lung, 303-275-3044.
