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Teams from over 30 Western Australian schools descended on The University of Western Australia (UWA) recently as the Model Solar Challenge took place on the campus for the first time, thanks to the support of the UWA Young Engineers Club (UWAYE), UWA’s Aspire program and the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

The challenge, aimed at both primary and secondary school students, has been going strong for the past 20 years, with tens of thousands of students participating nationally since 1992. The aim is to promote the study of engineering, whilst helping students to become ‘renewable energy ambassadors’ through their engagement with fun and hands-on engineering and science-based activities.

Over the two-day event, teams of students race solar-powered model boats (primary students) or cars (secondary students) in specially designed tanks and tracks. The students build the vehicles over the weeks preceding the Challenge following a set of specific requirements and are then judged both on the performance of their vehicles and their knowledge of the concepts and techniques used to build and power them. The top teams are rewarded with small cash prizes and the chance to compete at the national stage of the competition.

Winthrop Professor John Dell, Dean of UWA’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics commented:  “Projects like this are invaluable in getting students to explore the practical side of Engineering and Science.  If they end up studying Engineering at university, these students will be immersed in practical, team-based activities.  The teamwork and problem-solving skills they learn from these types of activity are excellent.”

The competitive spirit is a great motivator and students show huge enthusiasm in participating in this event. The triumphant team at this year’s WA event came from Girrawheen Senior High School with their car ‘Horizon’.

The Australian-International Model Solar Challenge will take place at Science Works in Melbourne on 24-25 November 2012.

Aspire UWA is working to raise aspirations for tertiary study amongst groups of students who may not usually consider attending university.

Media references

Rob Blandford (UWA Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics)    (+61 8) 6488 7886