High School and Middle School students throughout the state of North Carolina are given an opportunity to learn about renewable energy, alternate fuels, and fuel cell technology while participating in the “Students Fueling the Future” educational program. The hands-on project uses science, math, engineering and technology skills of students, ages 11-18, who work in teams to accomplish many tasks set forth in the unique, interdisciplinary program while working with hydrogen fuel cells to power student built model cars.
Teachers are prepared for the program through a workshop and the distribution of supplies and program guidelines. Student workshops are conducted at each participating school by the program director and technical advisor followed by several months of student involved experiments and preparation for the statewide Championship Event.
The High School Fuel Cell Championship Event involved students from six North Carolina schools that gathered on December 11, 2004 at the NC Solar Center at NCSU. In addition to the fuel cell model car race, the students participated in competitions with a hill climb, science notebooks, oral presentations, and web site designs.
The second annual Middle School Fuel Cell Championship Event will be held on April 30, 2005 at the NC Solar Center in Raleigh. The middle school program expanded from 10 schools in 2004 to 14 schools throughout the state participating in the distinctive educational experience in 2005. In addition to the fuel cell model car competitions each school attending the April event will bring a team to participate in an academic science bowl. One team will be selected to represent North Carolina at the 2005 Department of Energy National Middle School Science Bowl in Golden, Colorado in June.
For more information about the upcoming event contact the program director, Jayne Howard at (910) 454-4268 or solarscholars@aol.com.
