SUN SPRINT 2013

Teacher/Coaches

Information & Registration Packet

Introduction

The Sun Sprint competition is sponsored by Allegan County’s Area Educational Service Agency (AESA), Math & Science Center and the Van Buren Intermediate School District. Sun Sprint features Allegan and Van Buren County students (9th-12th grade) designing, building and racing model solar powered cars. Funding for this event comes from the Math & Science Center. This project can be conducted by students in the classroom or as an after-school program in conjunction with the local district’s curriculum. The race competition is the culminating component of the project and it will take place on April 30, 2013 at the US 131 Motor Sports Park in Martin.

Sun Sprint is one way to engage high school students and their teachers in problem-solving. The project provides an opportunity to investigate, more in-depth, concepts such as friction, circuitry, mass versus motion, structural efficiency and energy transfer. Other topics include aerodynamics, renewable energy applications, waste and resource management issues, design and construction ideas and team building.

Goals

Provide a problem-solving opportunity for high school students in Allegan and Van Buren Counties.

Offer a way for students to capture the spirit of fun and creativity while working together to explore science, math and technology.

Assist educators with a project-based way to address and meet the High School Content Expectations within the Michigan Merit Curriculum, as well as the Standards for Authentic Instruction (Higher Order Thinking, Deep Knowledge, Substantive Conversation and Connections to the World Beyond the Classroom).

Increase collaborative efforts with Western Michigan University, as well as the business and industry community.

Expectations

For Teachers/Coaches:

Return a completed registration form for each team by February 28 to Sue Zeinstra at the Allegan/Van Buren Math & Science Center. The registration form is the last page of the Teacher’s Packet (page 12).

Guide students as they design, build and race the model cars. A Student Participant Information Packet is also available.

After the race event, complete and return the Summative Project Assessment forms for each team to Amy Oliver. The deadline is May 1.

Attend a pre-race briefing on April 30 to receive competition instructions, race schedules, inspection information, etc. The briefing will run from

8:30 - 8:50 am and will be held at a designated location at the Motor Sports Park. At the conclusion of the competition, participants and their coaches will attend a brief awards ceremony from approximately 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm.

5.	During race day, provide input on special merit awards, as well as provide constructive feedback on their experience with the event.

Purchase any additional materials and/or supplies that are not paid for by project sponsors. A list of provided materials/supplies can be found under Competition Rules. (See page 11 of this packet for ordering information.)

REMINDER: The design, construction and racing of a car is intended to be a student directed project, with the teacher or parent acting as coach or guide throughout the process. All construction must be done by the student team. Parents/adults can encourage, discuss and motivate, but not design or construct the car.

For Student Participants:

Design, build and race the model cars on April 30, 2013.

Develop and complete a specifications flyer which is required to pass race day inspection and that includes the following information:

School name, teacher/coach name, grade level(s) and team members.

Car name, car mass, maximum car height, length, and width, and any other details you think are important for others to know about your vehicle.

All measurements must be listed in metric (SI) units.

Team members can also include a picture of the car as a part of the specifications flyer.

3.	Complete and return the Summative Project Assessment forms for each team to Amy Oliver at the Allegan/Van Buren Math & Science Center by May 3, 2011. These assessment forms will not affect race day results.

For Event Coordinators:

Offer guidance and technical assistance when requested.

Supply materials as described under the Competition Rules.

Create as many opportunities as possible for students to share their projects with other students, teachers, WMU staff, parents and the community at large.

Provide certificates of participation for all team members to acknowledge their hard work and involvement. Special merit awards will be based on feedback collected from coaches and/or event coordinators.

Share cumulative data and information collected from participating teams.

Contact the media in advance of race day to promote the event.

For Western Michigan University:

Exhibit a Sunseeker vehicle at the event.

Create an opportunity for participants to visit WMU on a project related field trip. To schedule a field trip contact Dr. Abraham Poot at: (269) 276-3372

or abraham.poot@wmich.edu.

Slot Allocations

In order to provide an equitable opportunity for all students in Allegan AESA and Van Buren Intermediate School District (ISD), slot allocations or total number of cars that can be entered from any given building/district have been determined and listed below. The maximum number of cars for the race is 52, with the cost of all cars being provided by the Math & Science Center. In order for a school to secure its designated slots, completed registrations must be received by February 20 for each of these slots. The registration form provides an opportunity for coaches to declare an interest in additional slots for their buildings if there are unclaimed slots available after February 20. These slots will be randomly chosen with no more than one additional slot per building (unless there are still available slots, in which case a random selection will continue until all of the slots are filled). Schools have the option of purchasing additional car materials in order to conduct a local preliminary competition prior to Sun Sprint; however, the maximum number of cars that can compete on race day includes the allocations plus any additional slots awarded to the school in the random drawing. The car kits, individual solar panels and other kit materials for Sun Sprint can be purchased from the Math & Science Center or Pitsco (see page 11 of this packet for ordering information).

Sun Sprint – 52 Maximum Cars
Allegan County Technical & Education Center	2 slots
Allegan High School	2 slots
Alternative High Schools	5 slots*
Bangor High School	2 slots
Bloomingdale High School	2 slots
Covert High School	2 slots
Decatur High School	2 slots
Fennville High School	2 slots
Gobles High School	2 slots
Hartford High School	2 slots
Hopkins High School	2 slots
Lawrence High School	2 slots
Lawton High School	2 slots
Martin High School	2 slots
Mattawan High School	2 slots
Otsego High School	2 slots
Paw Paw High School	2 slots
Plainwell High School	2 slots
South Haven High School	2 slots
Van Buren Van Buren Technology Center	2 slots
Wayland High School	2 slots
At-Large	7 slots
TOTAL	52 slots

*Maximum of 1 slot per school building on a first-come, first-served basis.

Competition Rules

Car Design and Construction:

Each Sun Sprint Car Kit consists of the following components:

1 solar panel with 2 attached leads (measures 10.5" X 5.0" X 0.08", output is 2.6 to 2.8 V at 1,100 mA). Please Note: many districts have a stockpile of solar panels so each kit may not come with a new panel.

1 motor 280 (1.5-3VDC at 330 mA)

2 alligator clips

4 wheels

2 plastic axles (5.5" in length)

1 plastic gear font

2 balsa sheets (10-1/2" X 4" X 3/16”)

4 nylon spacers

2 rubber bands (aid with wheel traction)

6 screw eyes (to keep the car on the guide wire and/or to connect the axles to the body of the car)

1 AA battery holder

instructions

The AA batteries must be provided by the racing team.

Each participating team is required to use the solar panel and motor included in the kit. (Other kit materials are optional). The remainder of the vehicle can be made from kit materials or any other available supplies.

The motor from the kit may not be modified (e.g. rewound, lightened, etc.), nor may the solar panel be modified. No energy storage devices (e.g. batteries, flywheels, capacitors, etc.) may be used to assist the solar panel. The sun’s light via the solar panel must be the only energy source used to power the car, and only one solar cell and one motor may be used. The solar panel must be on the car for every race regardless of the power source. Other enhancing devices (e.g. reflectors, mirrors, etc.) must be attached to the car. The AA battery holder must be permanently attached to the car to be used in case of inclement weather. The battery holder must remain attached to the car during the race whether or not it is being used; however, the batteries do not need to be included if the car is powered by the solar panel.

The car dimensions may not exceed 30 cm in width, 60 cm in length, and 30 cm in height (exclusive of the solar panel). Each car must also have a three-dimensional outer body shell/covering (not just a frame) that has minimum dimensions of 4 cm in width, 10 cm in length and 3 cm in height. (Note: using only the flat balsa wood sheet, included in the kit, does not qualify as three-dimensional.) Teams will not be allowed to bolt the axles and the wheels to the solar cell and the solar cell cannot be used as the body of the car. The decals of sponsoring organizations or any other car body details must be displayed so as to leave a space, 3 cm high by 4 cm wide on each side, for a clearly visible identification number. Racers will be assigned their car number prior to race day and they will be responsible for identifying the number on each side of the car. The numbers can be identified on the car in any manner (ie. painted, marker, tape, etc.) but must be clearly visible and completed before inspection. The vehicle must be safe and not include sharp points, edges, projectiles, etc.

Each vehicle must include a three dimensional representation of a passenger with a minimum mass of 10 grams. The passenger can be made of any non-toxic, safe material and it must be removable from the vehicle for massing at inspection. The passenger and the overall design of the car must be in good taste and meet local district standards. If the passenger is removed or switched for racing, the car will be disqualified. Race officials have the option to inspect any car, including the passenger, at any time on race day.

Race Day Procedures

Sun Sprint will be held at the US 131 Motor Sports Park in Martin on side-by-side, asphalt tracks. In order to keep the cars in their assigned lanes, each vehicle will need to be attached to a guide wire. The screw eye(s) provided can be used, but are not required. We recommend that the guide wire attachment system be installed on the bottom of the car at the front end, but it is not required. The guide wire is 50-60 pound fishing line and will be 1 cm (+/- .5 cm) above the ground, located in the center of the lane, and kept as taut as possible. The guide wires will be parallel and at least 50 cm apart. The car must remain on the guide wire, and this is the only method for guiding the car. Radio control is not allowed, but on/off (toggle) switches are allowed. Cars that change or cross lanes will be disqualified from the heat.

All cars must pass an inspection prior to racing. The inspection form is provided after registrations are received. Once cars pass inspections, participants will be asked to pose for team pictures displaying their cars. Inspections will begin at 9:00 am and conclude by race time at 10:00 am. The inspection order will begin with car #1 and will continue in order through car #52. Once a car has passed inspection, participants may practice on any track until 10:00 am. Specification flyers will be collected at the time of inspection. Inspection forms will not pass as specification flyers and teams will fail inspection if they try to use them as such.

A race lane is 30 meters long and aligned approximately north to south. Cars will race in heats from the south to the north end of the track, with that time recorded. Participants will then remove their car from the guide wire, turn it around, and race from north to south on the track. (Note: You may not switch polarity on the motor). The total round trip time will be the sum of the two individual splits. The cars with the lowest round trip times advance to the next heat. In order to save time, qualifying heats will require racing in one direction only.

Conduct of the Race

The race will be run in heats with multiple cars competing at a time to determine the top performing cars. Each car will compete in a minimum of 2 heats and perhaps more, depending on the success of the car, the number of cars, weather conditions, etc. Heat winners will be determined using a stopwatch. Race officials will verify the times by comparing them to the order of finish. The car with the lowest combined time in the final heat of competition will be the event winner. After a car’s first loss in a heat, it will be placed in the “Come Back” bracket with other cars that have lost. The Sun Sprint event is a double elimination tournament. In the event of inclement weather, the battery pack will be used to power the cars. Competition organizers reserve the right to change schedules at any time. Participants will initially race in a qualifying heat and will do so in order of car number (ie qualifying heat #1 may include cars with numbers 1-10). Heats will run approximately every five minutes and teams should have their cars ready to race when their names are called. If it is necessary to cancel the event after it starts, event organizers may declare a winner based upon the results available at that time.

A bullhorn or announcement over a loudspeaker will be used to start each race. One team member will need to hold an opaque cover over the solar panel until the start signal is given. After the cover is removed, a car must start under its own power without an outside push. False starts may result in disqualification from the heat (the track judge will make the final decision). Team members must catch the car at the end of the first run to turn it around and also recover it at the end of the heat before it is damaged.

Only one designated team member may enter the car lane during the race, and only with permission from the track judge, to free the car if it is stalled due to wire binding, track imperfections and/or a mechanical/electrical failure. Unauthorized physical assistance, repair, people in the lane or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification from the heat, as determined by the track judge.

In addition to the competition tracks, there will be a Test Track/Challenge Track. This track can be used at any time during the day as an opportunity for participants to test their cars or “challenge” other participants to an unofficial race. All competition rules will apply except the challenge races will not be timed and results will not be included in the Winner’s or Come Back brackets.

There will also be a repair area with access to electrical outlets. Each team must supply all its own tools and materials.

On-the-Spot Design Challenge

In addition to the main Sun Sprint competition, sponsors will offer the On-the-Spot Design Challenge which will be held late morning on race day. This event offers a second chance to those teams who have been eliminated from the main event. Teams will have one hour to design and build a model car capable of racing one-30 meter length racetrack heading approximately south to north and using only the materials provided.

The following rules will be in effect for this mini-event:

Each team is required to construct a car using all of the materials in the zip lock baggy in the manner in which they are intended. The motor may not be modified. The materials include:

1 motor 280

2 alligator clips

2 plastic axles

2 gears

1 battery holder (only if necessary)

2 AA batteries (only if necessary)

6 screw eyes (these are optional)

4 wheels

2 rubber bands

4 nylon spacers

1 solar panel (participants will be asked to return these at the conclusion of the event to be re-used in future events)

There are no minimum or maximum size restrictions for the body of the car, but it must be visibly and measurably three-dimensional. The body of the car may be constructed with any of the materials provided.

Teams may use any of the tools provided (hot glue guns, pliers, etc.) but the car must be constructed in the vicinity of the “On the Spot” race track and be visible to the Event Judge at all times. No other tools or materials other than those provided by event coordinators may be used.

The cars will be raced on a 30-meter long racetrack with a 50-60 pound guide wire. Participating cars must be attached to the guide wire and all rules surrounding the race will be the same as the regular events (please refer to race rules).

Miscellaneous Information:

Each team entering a car in the race will be given a certificate of participation. Some teams may receive special awards based on areas such as design (e.g. chassis, transmission, etc.), teamwork, collaborative spirit, specifications flyer, innovation, performance, best use of materials, etc.

Concessions and temporary cover from inclement weather will be available at the Motor Sports Park.

Teams are allowed to bring coolers, food and drinks from outside the Motor Sports Park.

Contact People For Questions or More Information

Amy Oliver, Director

Allegan/Van Buren Math & Science Center

aoliver@alleganaesa.org

310 Thomas Street

Allegan, MI 49010

(269) 686-5087 office

(269) 673-2361 fax

Sue Zeinstra

Allegan/Van Buren Math & Science Center

szeinstra@alleganaesa.org

310 Thomas Street

Allegan, MI 49010

(269) 686-5087 office

(269) 673-2361 fax

ORDERING INFORMATION SUN SPRINT KITS & PARTS
Available from: Allegan/Van Buren County Math & Science Center Sue Zeinstra (269) 686-5087 or (269) 673-2361 fax szeinstra@alleganaesa.org or Pitsco 1-800-835-0686 www.shop-pitsco.com
Sun Sprint Car Kit from the Center: $56.75
Ray Catcher Sprint Deluxe Kit W21211 - $55.95
Ray Catcher (Solar Panel Only) W21112 - $39.95 each.
Motor 280 and Gear Font Package W31729 - $6.08 each
Motor 280 W54428 - $1.75 each. 10 or more ,$1.60 each
Gear Font W25300 - $5.00 each. 10 or more, $4.50 each
Screw Eyes W15109 - $3.50 for 1 pkg. of 100. 10 or more pkgs. of 100, $3.15 each
Alligator Clips (2”) W50124 - $3.50 for 1 pkg. of 10. 10 pkgs. or more, $3.15 each
Battery Holder (holds 2-AA Batteries) W59609 - $1.20 each. 10 or more, $1.0.80
Plastic Axles (Delrin) – 2’ lengths W53625 - $2.00 each. 10 or more, $1.80 each
Balsa Sheets W57193 - 10 sheets of 3 for $35.00
Nylon Spacers W54583 - $4.95 for 1 pkg. of 30
Front Wheel W13330 - $11.00 for 1 pkg. of 100
Rear Wheel W13327 - $14.00 for 1 pkg. of 100
Rubber Bands W56136 - $1.95 for 1 pkg. of 50

SUN SPRINT 2013

Registration

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 17. Please keep in mind that after the deadline unclaimed slots will become available to interested coaches.

Please print clearly & submit one registration form per car. This form should be completed by the team coach.

Teacher/Coach: __________________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________ Phone/Extension: _______________

Car Name (If available): _________________________________________________

School: ______________________________________________________________

Are you interested in an additional car/slot should it become available?

___ Yes - Indicate number of additional cars ____

I do not need any solar panels______	I need _____ solar panels (indicate number)

Are you interested in receiving free, revised Sun Sprint curriculum? ___ Yes ___ No, thanks

Team Members AND Grades:

Student Name	Grade

Are you interested in purchasing additional Sun Sprint car kits ($51.75 each) or individual car parts? If so, indicate what you want to purchase in the table below. Understand you will be invoiced for the total cost.

Car Part or Kit	Price Per Part/Kit	Quantity	Total Cost
Total Amount Due

Please return completed form by February 17 to:

Sue Zeinstra, Allegan/Van Buren Math & Science Center,

310 Thomas Street, Allegan, MI 49010

szeinstra@alleganaesa.org

(269) 686-5087

(269) 673-2361 Fax