Counties Energy launches ‘Solar Cars Grand Prix’ education programme

Counties Energy has launched school education initiative “Solar Cars Grand Prix”.

It’s designed to engage Franklin-based students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning while raising awareness about electricity, renewable energy and electrical safety.

The programme offers local schools the opportunity to teach key concepts such as energy transformation, movement and forces, all through the creation of solar-powered cars, says Counties Energy.

Aimed at reaching 4800 students across 120 classrooms this year, the programme is targeted at Year 4 to Year 10 students in primary, intermediate and high schools. Students build wooden cars from scratch and attach solar units to the roof, learning how solar energy is converted into kinetic energy.

“We’re proud to continue our commitment to STEM education and electrical safety with the launch of this exciting new kit,” says Counties Energy chief executive Judy Nicholl.

By offering students practical, engaging learning experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and energy innovators, all while promoting the importance of safety around electricity.”

The Solar Cars Grand Prix kit includes everything needed, such as solar panels, wheels, race flags and finish-line tape.

The programme is fully supported by project partners School Kit, ensuring teachers have the resources to successfully implement the lessons.

As part of the programme, students also receive vital electrical safety messaging, reinforcing Counties Energy’s mission to educate communities about the dangers of electricity both inside and outside the home.

“We’ve been partnering with School Kit since 2017 to deliver engaging and educational kits to local schools, and we’re thrilled to now extend this to secondary school students for the first time,” says Nicholl.

Counties Energy has provided more than 60 local schools, 500 classrooms and 16,000 students with educational kits since 2017.

The Power Kit, aimed at Years 0 to 4, is a maths-based kit with activities and games, while Power it Up, from Years 4 to 8, is a paper circuitry kit designed around local icons.

Counties Energy also supports school engineering challenge EPro8 and Robogals workshops locally.

Click here for more information on the Solar Cars Grand Prix programme.