Park ’S Junior Solar Sprint Team

Park Middle School’s Junior Solar Sprint Team, under the supervision of Dr. Minerley and Ms. Cinella, included 21 sixth and seventh graders who competed in teams at this year’s Junior Solar Sprint Competition against 64 solar cars from 14 schools at New Providence High School.
The Solar Tear, built by seventh graders, Elizabeth Acevedo and Kotey Ashie, won third place for “Best Use of Recycled Materials.” In the speed division, The Solar Trinity, built by our sixth grade team of Emily Wywra, Alexa Fazio, Andres Seith, and Devin Mulligan won fourth place and went on to compete in the Inter-County Finals at Ridgedale Middle School in Florham park. These sixth graders never lost heart and exhibited extraordinary teamwork by methodically discussing their aerodynamics and guidance system, and repairing and redesigning The Solar Trinity between heats. When the dust settled, they had scored 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 2rd, 4th, and 4th in their six heats.
Students who participated, shared their experiences. Emily said, Overall, Junior Solar Sprint was an amazing experience and I would jump on any opportunity to do it again!” Andrew explained, “One of the many things I especially liked about the Junior Solar Sprint was building the car after school because it really put your mind to the test to figure out the possibilities and variables you were dealing with. For example, we had to think about the amount of power we were getting from the sun and the aerodynamics of the car. These things were very important to the car and its performance.” Alexa was excited to share that, “Junior Solar Spring was a thrilling experience that challenged our minds to think outside the box. It was so thought provoking how so many different variables fit into the solar car itself not to mention the surface, the sun’s position, and the direction the wind is going. I would totally do it again next year!