Union Leader Correspondent
DERRY -- A date has been set for Derry’s first-ever Junior Solar Sprint competition, which will be held at Pinkerton Academy this spring.
The Solar Sprint program, sponsored by Massachusetts-based Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, encourages middle schoolers from across New England, New York and New Jersey to build and race small solar-powered cars on a 20-meter track.
And while New Hampshire students have participated in the past, members of Derry’s Energy and Environment Advisory Committee hope a new local competition will get more area kids involved.
“This is a great opportunity for kids because they can learn about mechanics and gears, speed and acceleration, and aerodynamics,” said energy committee chairman Tom Minnon. “But it’s also about teamwork and competition.” The Derry event is scheduled for April 23 at Pinkerton Academy and is open to any area students in grades six through eight. The event is not exclusive to Derry students.
Participating teams are issued a starter kit with a solar panel and motor. Working in groups of three or four, students construct a car that runs only on solar power and carries an old soda can over a distance of 20 meters.
The winners of local competitions advance to a final championship in Massachu-setts, Minnon said.
Minnon said he hopes teachers from middle schools in Derry and surrounding towns will incorporate the Solar Sprint program into their regular curriculum. And many homeschool parents have also expressed interest in the program, he said. The energy committee will host an informational session for teachers and parents on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m .at the Derry Public Library.
Anyone interested in participating in the training session may contact Tom Minnon at tminnon@comcast.net.
More information about the Junior Solar Sprint competition is also available at www. nesea.org.
The winners of local competitions advance to a final championship in Massachu-setts, Minnon said.
Minnon said he hopes teachers from middle schools in Derry and surrounding towns will incorporate the Solar Sprint program into their regular curriculum. And many homeschool parents have also expressed interest in the program, he said. The energy committee will host an informational session for teachers and parents on Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m .at the Derry Public Library.
Anyone interested in participating in the training session may contact Tom Minnon at tminnon@comcast.net.
More information about the Junior Solar Sprint competition is also available at www. nesea.org.
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