Get your engines ready for the solar model challenge
Release Date: 24 September 2009
The State’s most widely contested solar model challenge, the Western Power Solar Model Car and Boat Challenge this year includes teams from all over Western Australia who are gearing up for the race of the year.Teams from metropolitan and regional schools including Albany and Mt Barker will make their way into the city to take part in the 2009 Solar Challenge, held in Forrest Place on 20 and 21 October.
Sixteen senior schools have registered for the event, which will be Western Power’s eighteenth year hosting the Solar Model Challenge in WA.
Western Power’s Sustainability Manager, Ms Inge Van Der Poel said that the Solar Model Challenge is great way for young people to be innovative about alternative ways to generate energy.
"Solar powered racing has proved to be great fun and we expect a fair bit of excitement as we get into the finals in October."
Through the hands-on process of designing model solar cars and boats and experimenting with materials and construction techniques, students develop a sound understanding of fundamental scientific and engineering concepts for generating energy.
The students also learn the thrills and spills of a grand prix style solar model car racing track. To add to the students’ excitement, this is the first year the national track will be used in WA, giving our winners a great competitive edge at the national event.
"The competition provides a great opportunity to learn about sustainable technology in a practical and enjoyable way," Ms Van Der Poel said.
"By exposing young people to this kind of challenge they will be encouraged to develop a more sustainable approach to energy use, or even pursue a career in this field.
"We get new schools joining the competition every year and many more who are regular entrants.
The first three placegetters will be flown to Melbourne to compete in the Australian-International titles, which will be held this year on the 28th and 29th of November.
Participating Senior Schools, Solar Car Challenge:
| School | Suburb/Town | Cars |
| Albany Senior High School | Albany | 3 |
| Aquinas College | Salter Point | 3 |
| Belridge Senior High School | Beldon | 3 |
| Carmel School | Dianella | 1 |
| Christ Church Grammar School | Claremont | 1 |
| Girrawheen Senior High School | Girrawheen | 3 |
| Greenwood Senior High School | Greenwood | 1 |
| Guildford Grammar | Guildford | 3 |
| John Calvin School Albany | Albany | 2 |
| John Wollaston Anglican Community School | Kelmscott | 2 |
| Maranatha Christian College | Waikiki | 1 |
| Morley Senior High School | Noranda | 2 |
| Mount Barker Community College | Mount Barker | 1 |
| Perth Modern | West Perth | 2 |
| Shenton College | Shenton Park | 3 |
| Winthrop Baptist College | Boorgaoon | 3 |
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Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
