Junior Solar Sprint

Junior Solar Sprint

April 6, 2020

The Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) is an educational program for 5th through 8th grade students with the goal of creating the fastest, most interesting, and most well-crafted solar-powered vehicle possible. This program is funded by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) in partnership with the Technology Student Association (TSA). Regional events are held locally, with the winners receiving funding to attend the national competition in Nashville, Tennessee.

As part of the program, students are tasked to design, build, and then race their solar-powered cars using hands-on engineering skills along with principles of science and math. Students will also develop teamwork and problem solving abilities as part of the program, and will further investigate environmental issues while building important science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. Registered student teams will receive the following supplies in their car-assembly kits:

• Solar panel
• Motor
• Alligator clips (to connect the solar panel and the motor)
• Motor mounting bracket and screws

The design and internal engineering of the car will be completely up to the student's imagination. On the day of the event, teams will race their cars, showcase their model design, and present their engineering design portfolio to a team of judges. This event is designed to spark interest in STEM topics and to allow students to gain first-hand experience in the research and development process. Students will work with their teacher or mentor to learn about the benefits of solar and alternative energy as well as the environmental impacts of traditional energy usage.

All local and national JSS competitions always require help from volunteers. In addition to STEM exposure, the goal of the event is to encourage interest and familiarity with both the U.S. military and the STEM-related career opportunities within the military. If you are interested in volunteering for a JSS event, please consider the following:

• View the "Volunteer Opportunities"
• Complete and submit the "Volunteer Interest" form
• Contact the host of your local JSS event
• Or, interested parties can simply email USArmy.Detrick.MEDCOM-USAMRMC.Other.Educational-Outreach@health.mil and your local U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) will be notified of your interest

Events:

Local:

• USAMRDC HQ | Fort Detrick, MD | May 8th, 2020

National:

• Technology Student Association | Nashville, TN | June 27th-July 1st, 2020

Interested in learning learn more about JSS?

• Visit: JSS page