With funding from the Energy Department’s State Energy Program (SEP), the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED) funded the Greenpower Electric Car Challenge to engage young students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The challenge provided a hands-on learning opportunity for middle and high school students to gain relevant STEM experience through building and racing a single-seat electric car. SEP funds support STEM-related programs that train future energy professionals and provide pathways to developing a skilled workforce for the future.
As part of the challenge, participating schools engaged in activities aimed at developing the students’ skills in design work, mathematics, communication, and teamwork. Students received a car kit and access to a self-paced, online course, created by a professor at Utah State University, to assist in the development of the car. Students worked in teams to plan and build a car, acquire potential sponsors, complete coursework, create videos, and facilitate the logistics of transporting the car from the school to the track. The teams were also encouraged to research current transportation challenges in Utah to discover how the Greenpower Challenge could help resolve issues, allowing students to gain an understanding of the importance of project beyond the scope of the classroom.
At the end of the school year, participating schools competed for the most efficient car. The race began with 45-minute qualifying heats to determine advances to the final round. The teams that advanced to the final round then raced in a single heat for 90 minutes. Cars were scored on the number of continuous laps with extra points awarded for cars completing the fastest laps.