Fifth district office seeking student teams for 3rd Solar Grand Prix

The 2012 Solar Grand Prix, which challenges local students to use scientific know-how, creative thinking, experimentation and teamwork to design and build high-performance model solar vehicles, is scheduled for April 21, but, according to the office of 5th District Councilmember Gerrie Schipske, which sponsors the competition, many teams are already registered and excited to compete.
Last year, the event picked up steam and saw 150 teams and more than 400 students race their carefully designed and constructed cars in El Dorado Park. This year, to enhance the overall experience for all participating teams, registration is limited to 50 middle-school and 50 high-school teams, with a maximum of five teams per school. Teams must also be composed of exactly four students, with a parent or teacher serving as a coach.
Schipske and the 5th District Solar and Sustainability Task Force are still encouraging students in grades 9 through 12 to sign up. Registration materials may be accessed by going to admin.longbeach.gov/district5/solargrandprix.
Long Beach City College is co-sponsoring the mandatory team orientation, which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the school’s Liberal Arts Campus. Car kits from the Segue to Solar Online Store are supplied to the teams and paid for by event sponsors.
To learn more or inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact Rachel Powers at (562) 570-6932.