Micro Solar Challenge
Because every young person can be an inventor, we have developed an interactive, structured and fun learning programme that helps to bring out their innovative spirit and achieve their potential. This programme supplements, not overlaps, school learning and makes best use of student time during holidays.
Program Goals
The program aims at developing:
- Confidence and Thinking Skills
- Team Spirit and Self Esteem
- Environmental Consciousnes
- Cultural exchange and Care for the Global Community
- English and technical communication and skills
Program Features
- Interactive, Structured and Fun Learning
- Weekend/Holiday Seminars/Tutorials
- Australian/International Mentors and Friends
- Photo/Video Sharing on Web Site
- International Competition
Who should attend
Ideally suited for students aged 11 – 17. No entry level knowledge is required.
Program Outline
1. Weekend Seminars
The learning focuses on solar energy, micro control, design and technical communication. In addition it covers the basics of following topics:
- Clean technologies & Environment management
- MEMS (micro electro-mechnical machine) sensors
- Electrical & electronics technology
- Computers & software programming
- Mechanics & robotics
- Planning & budgeting
The course design takes into consideration the student's previous standard. The learning materials are specially developed based on plenty of graphical illustrations and plain English. Translation to other languages is available if required. Software programming is by a simple, powerful flow chart method.
If required, there can be two more evenings of tutorials for students who either need more basic understanding or want to go one step higher.
Additional summer holiday seminars will be held if there is sufficient demand.
- On completion of the seminar, the student is ready to build an intelligent solar racer/solar robot model in preparation for the 2010 international competition.
- During the model building period, the student can exchange email with Micro Solar mentors and friends to discuss ideas and progress.
- The student can share findings with comments/photos/videos on web site.
- The student can form a team with other students to produce a stronger entry.
- It is expected that there will be plenty of email traffic during the summer holidays and the month before the competition. It is a healthy holiday progrmme.
2. International Competition
- A challenging race circuit and an impressive robot stage will be built for the international competition. Detailed designs to be released.
- During the model building period, the student can exchange email with Micro Solar mentors and friends to discuss ideas and The 2010 competition will be held in Oct/Nov. Future competitions will be held yearly in many international cities.
- Prior to the competition, there will be a three day technical workshop to deepen the learning so far, as well as to practise for the competition.
- The competition will be on the fourth day. Competitive criteria are based on the racer/robot's performing speed and skill, and assessed by a judge panel comprising principals and senior staff of participating schools.
- The competition is not eliminative. Any high performing student/team as commended by the judge panel will be awarded 'Young Micro Solar Master'.
- The fifth day is for review. The student/team will be able to bring home an improved model solar racer/solar robot.
- Micro Solar is a yearly program. Participating students in 2010 can continue to higher class of learning/competition in 2011 and mentor other students.
3. Past Experience
This course has been successfully run in Australia for Australian, Asian and African students aged 11-17. Further information supplied on request.
4. 2010 Time Table (Tentative)
- July/August - Holiday Seminars/Tutorials
- October/November - Workshop/Competition
5. Training Equipment
One set of electronic equipment/programming software is highly recommended for each student. However, one group of up to 3 students can share one set of training equipment and software.
6. Community Program
20% of the income from the program will be used to provide free technology eduction for the needy children of the world. Micro Solar Masters are encouraged to participate as mentors and friends in this community effort.
7. Costs
A$300.00 per student for seminar, tutorial, internet participation and one set of equipment/software licence.
A$100.00 per student for seminar, tutorial and internet participation only.
Students with financial limitations are encouraged to talk to us, as fee exemption can be considered.
For enquiries and registration, please contact:
Thomas Man
Managing Consultant
Neuplex Pty Ltd
37 Belford Avenue, Devon Park, South Australia 5008, Australia
Tel (Australia): 08-8365 4439 International: +61-8-8365 4439
Mobile (Australia): 0410 583 522 International: +61-410 583 522
Email: tman@neuplex.com Web Site: www.neuplex.com
Micro Solar Web Site (under construction): www.allgoodevents.com/microsolar
