What is the Solar Go-Kart Challenge (SGKC)?
Greenspeed Research started the High-school Solar Go-Kart Challenge in 2015 with 3 teams making it to the competition. 2016 saw 5 teams cross the finish line, and 2017 could have 8! We provide each team with a "kit" that includes a gas powered go-kart and almost all the parts needed to convert to 100% clean solar power. All the teams have the design freedom to take these kits and create their own unique go-kart (as long as it follows the safety rules of course) over the course of a few months. We partner with Boise State University for the actual Challenge shortly after the Boise State students graduate each Spring. The first day of the challenge consists of a Design Presentation where each team gives a 15 minute presentation to a panel of STEM Professionals (practicing engineers, university professors, and solar specialists) about their experience designing, building, and testing their go-karts.
2017
This year is shaping up to be the largest competition yet!! We are so excited about it we can hardly contain ourselves. Our largest challenge this year is a lack of go-kart kits. We have so many teams, we have run out of supplies! Are you able to help us put the needed parts and supplies in the hands of young minds? Do you believe it is important for these young minds to have "hands-on" skills? Understand how they can accomplish lofty goals (we have to build a whole car???) by working together to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles? If you said yes to any of these, we appreciate your concerns and ask that you get involved with our cause!
How you can help
Today, we are looking for help purchasing go-kart kits. In the coming months, we will be looking for volunteers for the event that takes place Saturday, May 13th, 2017. If you are in the area, the competitors would love to see you cheering them on, and we'd love to see you at Boise State for a few hours to help safeguard the course (t-shirts and lunch will be provided).
All rights reserved.