UNSW Minisprint
5 September
2009
Sponsored by the UNSW Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, & School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.
Recomended for Years K - 12 but is idealy matched to K - 8.
Competition Details
- Saturday 5 September 2009, 10 AM - 2 PM
- UNSW Quadrangle
- Enter Gate 14 Barker Street, Kensington
- Parking is free in any NON-Reserved area of the Parking Station
Important Information
Open Invitation
Dear Science and D&T Teachers, Primary School Teachers and Parents,
Are you looking for a way to motivate your students!?! Would you like to make science and/or design fun and challenging? Without breaking the bank?
The Minisprint Solar Challenge
The minisprint solar challenge is a very low cost solar race car competition held in conjunction with the UNSW Faculty of Science SunSprint Model Solar Car Challenge. Whereas the average SunSprint car costs $400 or more and takes months to build, the MiniSprint car kits cost $65 (inc GST and Pack & Post) and can be built in an afternoon. Although quick to build, gears need to mesh and solar modules need to be wired to the motor and switch. The MiniSprint car is the ideal teaching tool for energy, solar cells, gear ratios, friction and mechanical construction.
The Aim
The Aim of MiniSprint is to keep the cost down, the fun up and student learning high. We are hoping teachers can promote this event as an extra curricular activity or maybe as a class project in Science or Technology. Because the race is so simple you could run a trial at school first.
The Competition
The competition is not complex. The fastest car on the day will win. Each car will race several times allowing fine tuning of the car and the race times will be recorded. The MiniSprint cars are raced over a straight 20m flat track using nylon fishing line as a steering guide. You don’t need a team of students -- you can enter as an individual. Schools may have multiple entries. Primary schools may compete.
The Kits
The kits consist of two solar modules, a motor & switch, gears, wheels and corflute. The actual design (front/rear wheel drive, motor and wheel placement and fishing line control) is left to the student.
Payment Details
Payment by Invoice: Yes, schools and individuals can pay by invoice. Purchase of a car kit automatically enters the kit in the competition.
Parts for and advice on model solar car building is available from
Kite Magic, Coogee
Phone: (02) 9315 7001 or 0411 357 894
Web: http://www.kitesite.com.au