VCU news

By Leila Ugincius

Virginia Commonwealth University will host Rams Go Solar, a solar car design and construction competition for middle schoolers, on Saturday, April 13, at Oliver Hall School of Education Wing, 1015 W. Main St., first floor entryway. Approximately 150 fifth- through eighth-graders from 17 public schools in the Richmond region will race vehicles that they designed and built. Categories include design and creativity.

Racing starts at 10 a.m., with elimination rounds after lunch and closing ceremonies at 2:30 p.m.

The event is hosted by VCU’s School of Education and College of Engineering and funded by the Army Educational Outreach Program as part of its Junior Solar Sprint program.

The Rams Go Solar project, a yearlong collaboration between VCU and area schools, boosts students’ mastery of STEM content through hands-on experiences in building solar-powered vehicles. Throughout the year, teachers received professional development, lesson plans and materials for student projects. Approximately 600 students participated and two teams from each school were invited to the April 13 race.