Junior Solar Sprint
The 2021-22 Ithaca JSS Race will take place 0n May 22, 2022 at Ithaca High School
2020-2021 Car Show!
What is Junior Solar Sprint?
JSS is an educational program for 5th through 8th grade students with the goal of creating the fastest, most interesting and best crafted solar-vehicle possible. Students will design, build and race solar powered cars using hands-on engineering skills and principles of science and math, develop teamwork and problem solving abilities, investigate environmental issues and gain hands-on STEM skills.
https://www.usaeop.com/program/jss/
JSS has been going on in our department for over 20 years. DeWitt students have competed locally, nationally, and internationally with their solar cars and have won several awards. DeWitt also hosts its own race each spring in Ithaca, NY.
https://sites.google.com/icsd.k12.ny.us/ithacajss/home
JSS during Covid
Fortunately, our department has been able to continue keeping JSS a part of both our curriculum and extracurricular programs while keeping students and staff safe. This includes hosting two successful socially distanced race events (currently planning for a third) and hundreds of students designing and constructing vehicles at home. Check out these videos that highlight our accomplishments.
JSS at Home
Video by DeWitt student Charlotte Groat
DeWitt Middle School 2020 JSS Event
Video by Ithaca High School Student Lucas West
Teaching JSS with Distance Learners
Video by current DeWitt T&E teachers Dave Buchner and Carson Case with retired DeWitt T&E teacher Bob Walters. Recorded as part of the 2020 SUNY Oswego Fall Technology Conference.
JSS Resources for Teachers
https://www.usaeop.com/program/jss/
https://www.nrel.gov/about/car-competitions.html
Aidan Dwyer, Better solar Designs
Ithaca JSS Videos
How Solar Panels Work To Reduce Climate Change
300 Years of FOSSIL FUELS in 300 Seconds
Listen to the Wombat - "All is One"
Upper Valley Junior Solar Sprint 2010
Southern California Junior Solar Sprint!
JSS Lesson Slides