High school students prepare for nation’s largest solar-powered boat race
Student teams from 39 high schools across SouthernCalifornia are getting ready for the nation’s largest solar-powered boatcompetition next weekend near Winchester, organizers said today.
The Metropolitan Water District is sponsoring the 11th annual Solar Cupstarting next Friday at its Lake Skinner, just north of Temecula in RiversideCounty.
High school teams are working on identical 16-foot-long hulls and kitswith solar panels, batteries, electrical systems, drive trains, propellers andrudders supplied by the MWD, They use their engineering and math skills tomaximize their boats’ endurance, speed and mechanical and electricalefficiencies.
“Solar Cup brings together interdisciplinary student teams that striveto reach specific milestones throughout the school year,” said Solar Cupcoordinator Julie Miller, a state-certified teacher in the MWD’s educationprograms. “Students are challenged by activities that complement curriculum inscience, technology, engineering and math as well as the environmental sciencesand visual arts programs.
The competition begins next Friday with qualifying events judged by MWDand a technical advisory team from Harvey Mudd and Occidental colleges.Saturday will feature single-seat, solar-powered 16-foot boats outfitted withsolar-collection panels in endurance races around a 1.6-kilometer course.
Sunday will be highlighted by 200-meter sprint races in which the solarpanels are removed and the boats are powered by solar energy stored inbatteries. Trophies will be awarded in veteran and rookie divisions for teamswith the highest points, as well as to teams honored for “Hottest-LookingBoat,” teamwork and sportsmanship.
Races are easily visible from the shore at the event, which is open tothe public from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. with free admission and parking. Lake Skinneris at 37701 Warren Road in southwest Riverside County.
