Bright sparks shine in solar challenge

Nearly 6000 students from across the State harnessed the Sun’s energy yesterday to vie for a place in the 2019 Synergy Schools Solar Challenge final at Optus Stadium on April 9.

Year 6 and 8 students from 19 schools across the South West region built and raced solar-powered cars against other schools.

Cowaramup Primary School won the Year 6 category thanks to the efforts of Tyga Holt, Archie Brosson and Novak Webster.

Bunbury Catholic College Marist Campus students Logan Turner, Angus Park, Christian Higgins and Liam George were successful in the Year 8 category.

Newton Moore Senior High School principal Sue Kerr said the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Association allows students to be more forward thinking into technology of the future.

“It’s really beneficial to the students as STEM is about problem solving, creative thinking and 21st century skills,” Mrs Kerr said.

“It’s not just about sitting in a classroom and learning science, it’s actually putting real life science into action.”

Science Teachers Association of WA chief executive John Clarke said the students have to understand the logistics behind the construction of the solar car.

“They have to understand electrics circuits, they have to understand solar energy and conversion to electricity and they have to work as a team to create the best car possible on the day, ” Mr Clarke said.