The Solar Car team goes back to Middle School!

Posted in: Infinium, Updates|By: DiThach|May 27, 2011

Chris discussing the importance of aerodynamics.

Every so often the Solar Car team gets the pleasure of visiting various public schools around Michigan, giving them a enjoyable change to a typical Solar Car day. Yesterday morning a few members of the team were able to visit Discovery Middle School, a local public school located in Canton, Michigan. Representing the team was Chris Hilger, Rachel Kramer, Santosh Kumar, Evan Dougherty, Eric Hausman, and myself (Diane Thach).

Chris, Rachel, and Santosh put together a short informative presentation that gave the children an insight into the teamwork between the different divisions of the team and to help them learn about the car and solar energy. Bringing Infinium onto the stage, the children were able to see what a solar car looked like up close after the presentation. The majority of them couldn’t believe someone could actually fit into the car or that it runs on about thirteen horsepower.

Evan explaining how someone is able to get into the car through the canopy

The children had expressed the most interest when it came to the question and answer session. One adorable girl had asked, “Does it come in pink?” putting smiles on all of our faces as some others would ask if there were features such as air conditioning, heated seats, or review mirrors. We were able to explain to them that it wasn’t like the typical mass produced car, but instead there is a small duct that provides a slight cooling system and rear-view camera, both of which reduces the weight of the almost 500 pound vehicle.

Overall, the visit was fun and definitely a success. We would like to thank Chris’s mother, Mrs. Cindy Hilger for arranging the visit as well as everyone involved at Discovery Middle School for making it happen. Thank You!