With summer approaching it can only mean one thing - hundreds of school children throughout Kent are busy constructing solar cars in anticipation of success in this year’s challenge.

The project involves getting the children to design and construct their own model, solar-powered cars from a kit supplied and then competiting to find the fastest car and best designed/best dressed car.

Last year around 50 schools and over 400 children competed in a series of races throughout the county. The competition attracted a lot of media coverage from press and radio and culminated in a slot on the Meridian TV 6 o’clock news programme.

The project is aimed at the Key Stage 2 aged group of 8-11 year olds and aims to: ·

Promote solar energy, Meet National Curriculum requirements on teaching sustainability, environmental education and design and technology, raise awareness in schools and in the wider community of issues such as renewable energy, climate change and pollution

The list of schools taking part on the day are; Palmarsh School, Sandgate Primary School, St Peter's Primary School, and George Spurgen Primary School. The winners will go through to the county final in July.

The project is supported and funded by a range of organisations including Pfizer Limited, the main sponsor, Shepway District Council and the Government Office South East.

Photo call opportunity
When? Thursday 26th May 2005
1pm - arrival and registration
1.40pm - fastest car competition, races begin
2.30pm - presentation of prizes to winners

Where? Palmarsh School, St Georges Place, Palmarsh Hythe, CT21 6NE

For further information and advice on how to save energy and save money call the Kent Energy Centre free on 0800 358 6669, or log on to www.kentenergycentre.org.uk

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Kent Energy Centre is part of CEN, a not for profit organisation delivering a range of services to engage householders, businesses and communities in environmental and social improvement. We are supported by all Kent local authorities and provide a range of free and impartial services to householders on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust.

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Last year’s project report is available to download as a pdf document at www.cen.org.uk/education/games.asp