Homeschool Team for Solar Car Race?

Somebody really should look into sponsoring a homeschool solar car race team. My hubster, the Dread-Pirate Sparsebeard, has been involved (with the school where he teaches) in this race as a judge and helper for years, now. But he is not a Science teacher, he is an Enlish Major, kwim? A couple of our boys have been able to volunteer and work with the photography and videography team as well. What a great experience it was for them. Now I ask, can any of my homeschool friends think of candidates to support (financially) and begin such an endeavor for our kids in the future? It is for guys and gals alike. One of this year's teams was an all-girl team. It is not cheap, but with good sponsors...what better way to get some hands-on science and engineering experience?



For more information, check out Winston School Solar program for ideas and photos. Doc has done a great job directing this big shindig for these past 15 years, and I think it is time homeschoolers tried to join in the challenge. Here's a helpful blurb from their web site:


"The only international high school solar education program and race in the world. Program includes workshops, curriculum materials, and on-site visits leading to an annual race."

Students build these cars all by themselves. A teacher or leader helps to guide, but all the real building must happend by students alone. This is not your child's pinewood derby car race (thank God!) where many parents do the work for the kids and do all the little tweaking they often do to help their sons or daughters beat everyone else. Yeah, kinda disappointed me more than a little when our kiddos were younger. But, I am not bitter ;-). That is a post for another day on letting our children succeed or fail on their OWN merits. Such a valuable lesson.

I'll just step off my little soapbox now, before I fall off ;-), and share a couple of photos ~

Photo by our own AJ

Photo by Roddy Parkinson (not all the cars are this snazzy)

Javamom

family traveling & other happenings

Our dear daughter, aged 15, flew up to Minnesota to visit a good friend for almost exactly two weeks. She also has an opportunity to go on this year's Photo Safari with hubby's school's photography teacher to New Mexico. She will be surprised by that offer. I hope she takes it!

17 yo AnselAdams is on a photography shoot today with a local Christian Company, photographing some of their new evangelical products.

Soon, AA will also be helping with the videography (as an intern) for the Winston Solar Car Challenge again this summer.

I've been finishing up my nephew in Iraq's book of notes from family, and saw some friends who stopped by on various errands both yesterday and today.

My new Stampin' Up stamps came in yesterday, and I've cut and mounted them all. I love using them!!

The summer is going too quickly. I have some Spanish class planning that I really need to work on...and soon! I feel ready for the junior high class, but need to totally revamp the Freshman level course to fit the curriculum into two ten week sessions.

What are my readers up to this summer? Have any big projects or trips planned?

Javamom

Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge

This is a lifestyle of learning at its finest!! Thanks goes to God! We are so proud and happy for our oldest son to be on the small media team for a national solar car race this year. Check out The Dell-Winston Solar Car Challenge for updates and information. The streaming video our son has put together at the end of each day provides a look into the programs and the race. We are so blessed by the opportunity and experience this gives him toward his future career thoughts and plans.