IN-GAME RESOURCE PAGE
THIS PAGE CONTAINS USEFUL RESOURCES FOR COMPLETING THE DIGITAL JUNIOR SOLAR SPRINT CHALLENGE.
- Instructions for submitting an entry for the competition
- Research links and inspiration for each workshop
- A how-to video tutorial for playing each of the workshop challenges
Solar Panel Workshop
Solar panels use photons from sunlight to generate electricity. Wouldn’t it be great to have the smallest and lightest solar panel that could generate the most electricity? Learn more about solar panels and how they are improving. Maybe you’ll be the scientist that makes them even better!
How efficiently do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?
How large must solar panels be to generate enough electricity to power a vehicle?
How heavy are solar panels and what innovations are making them lighter?
What are the most efficient solar panels of today and in the near future?
Use these links to start your research on solar panels. When you’re ready to complete your Minecraft challenge, watch the video for instructions and useful tips.
Research
- Photovoltaic Basics: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-photovoltaic-technology-basics
- A Primer on the Solar Voltaic Cell: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/articles/pv-cells-101-primer-solar-photovoltaic-cell
- Photovoltaics Research and Development: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/photovoltaics-research-and-development
- TED-Ed: How Solar Panels Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxrkht7CpY
- NREL Energy Basics: Solar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPwvS5V5RW4
Motor Workshop
The motor uses the electricity to create movement. An innovative motor will use the least amount of electricity to move the vehicle safely. Research more about electric motors and the gears that are used to generate more efficient output.
What are different types of electric motors?
What type of motor is used in solar vehicles?
How does a brushless motor work?
What are the innovations in electric motors today?
How does an automatic transmission work?
What is the purpose of a gearbox or transmission in a vehicle?
Use these links to start your research on motors and gearboxes. When you’re ready to complete your Minecraft challenge, watch the video for instructions and useful tips.
Research
- Work, Energy and Power: Crash Course: https://www.pbs.org/video/crash-course-physics-9/
- How a Brushless DC Motor Works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCEiOnuODac
- Tesla 3 Motor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esUb7Zy5Oio
- How an Automatic Transmission Works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_y1S8C0Hmc
Vehicle Body Workshop
An ideal solar vehicle body would be durable and lightweight. There are several innovative materials that have made incredible vehicles possible. Learn more about these materials and think about how they would be used to make the most ideal solar vehicle.
How can carbon fiber be used in a solar vehicle?
Where would you use aluminum in a solar vehicle?
What other innovative materials would be useful, and why?
What is the most interesting type of material you can find? Why do you think it is most interesting?
Use these links to start your research on innovative materials. When you’re ready to complete your Minecraft challenge, watch the video for instructions and useful tips.
Research
- Carbon Fiber - The Material of the Future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKpDyfJnxQQ
- Aluminum - The Material That Changed the World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn9qhQSMCRk
- Other topics: Aerodynamics, Titanium, Nanofibers
Battery Workshop
Batteries store electricity for later use. This is a great companion to any solar solution because it will need a different source of electricity when there is not enough sunlight. An ideal battery would be lightweight, store a lot of energy and charge quickly.
How does a battery work? What similarities do you notice with batteries and solar panels?
What are the best types of batteries used in electronics today?
What are the pros and cons of various types of batteries in electric vehicles?
What new innovations can we expect in the future?
Use these links to start your research on batteries. When you’re ready to complete your Minecraft challenge, watch the video for instructions and useful tips.