Using raw materials such as gears, propellers, motors, solar cells, wood, and math, in the Solar Cars STEM Kit, students learn about engineering design principals and iterative prototyping as they design the most efficient car possible.
Big Concepts include: 1) engineering design principles; 2) solar energy; and 3) gear and pulley ratios.
Scientific Inquiry Skills include: 1) iterative testing; 2) maker style creativity; and 3) use of science notebooks.
Solar Cars STEM Kit Tutorials
- How to Make the Car Go Straight (video coming soon)
- Solar Cars STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
- Solar Cars STEM Kit Clean-Up & Repacking Instructions
- Solar Cars STEM Kit Material List
- Solar Cars YouTube Tutorial
Solar Cars STEM Kit Resources
- Engineering Design Graphic
- Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
- Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
- Solar Cars STEM Kit Instruction Booklet (available upon request – email name and school to Dr. Andrew Warnock)
Other Useful Resources
Borrowing Solar Cars STEM Kits
There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Courtney Gooding Butler (courtney.butler@colostate.edu).
- Local Pick-Up Loan Application Form – for educators in the immediate area of Fort Collins (i.e.: Greeley, Loveland, Ault, Windsor, Johnstown, etc.)
- Delivery Loan Application Form – for educators in Colorado outside of the immediate Fort Collins area
- Educator Feedback Survey – must be completed after returning kits to the NSEOC and before another kit can be requested
