Call for junior solar sprints participants

NORTHWESTERN NEW JERSEY —For the sixth consecutive year, TransOptions will host the Junior Solar Sprints competition in northwestern New Jersey. Middle school students design, build and race solar-powered model cars for the national, hands-on competition. Students work in teams of one to four, applying math, science and creativity to construct these cars to race in local competitions, hosted by TransOptions, and the Northeast Regional Competition, hosted by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. The competition is free and open to schools in Morris, Sussex, Warren, suburban Essex, Passaic and Union Counties. Participants in the program are entitled to free programs on renewable energy, conducted by TransOptions’ environmental education coordinator. The primary goals of the project are: to generate enthusiasm for science, technology and environmental concerns at a crucial stage in the educational development of young people; to improve students understanding of renewable energy technologies; to encourage young people to consider transportation alternatives at an early age; and to encourage healthy competition among students in different schools and counties. A workshop for teachers will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 at TransOptions’ office, 2 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls. The workshop is designed for teachers who are new to the program or wish to have a refresher course. Professional development credits are also awarded for this workshop. RSVP by Jan. 2. Interested teachers must call TransOptions by Dec. 1 to register for the competition. For more information, call TransOptions at 973-267-7600 or visit www.TransOptions.org.