SOLAR SPRINT SHOWDOWN!

Racing Toward the Future: 7th Graders Compete in Junior Solar Sprints

April 2025

On April 15, 2025, the bus parking lot at Mount Olive Middle School transformed into a racetrack of the future as 7th grade science students in Mrs. Sosnovik’s, Ms. Dombrowski's, and Mr. Carifi’s classes competed in the highly anticipated Junior Solar Sprints!

This exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition challenged students to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by designing, building, and racing solar-powered model cars.

Working in teams of up to four, students were provided with wheels, axles, a motor, and a solar panel—but the rest was up to them. From sleek aerodynamic builds to creative use of recycled materials, students designed and constructed their car bodies over 7–8 class periods. The result? A lineup of unique, hand-crafted vehicles ready to harness the power of the sun!

The big day brought sunny skies, high energy, and a little extra boost from Mother Nature—some students were lucky enough to have the wind literally at their backs!

Students gathered in the bus lot, proudly setting up their creations and cheering one another on as their solar cars zipped down the track.

“We love watching our students apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on way,” said Mrs. Sosnovik. “It’s amazing to see their ideas come to life—and even more amazing how much they learn from both their successes and their setbacks.”

With every race, the excitement grew. Whether they crossed the finish line first or learned from a breakdown mid-race, every team walked away with a better understanding of science, engineering, and teamwork.

And while solar panels powered the cars, it was the students’ enthusiasm that truly fueled the day.