Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Girls Use STEM to Turn Recycled Refrigerators into Solar-Powered Racecars

  • 06/30/16

Chicago -- (BUSINESS WIRE) This week ComEd kicked off the Icebox Derby, an educational competition involving 30 teen girls from across Chicagoland who will work in teams to transform recycled refrigerators into electric racecars. New to this year’s program, the young women also will explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through the scope of renewable energy, building and powering parts of their cars with solar technology.

In addition to enhanced aerodynamics, the 2016 Icebox Derby cars will each have two, 30-watt solar panels to power accessories like LED headlights, a car horn, and a helmet with two-way communication capabilities. The cars will also feature a solar charge control module, used to communicate between the panels and solar components.

“For ComEd, technology and innovation are at the core of our business. As the energy industry continues to evolve, we are in need of a future workforce that is able to anticipate and solve the technical problems of today and the digital challenges of tomorrow. We are committed to creating opportunities like the Icebox Derby to offer hands-on experiences to young women in the STEM subjects,” said Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO of ComEd. “As an energy company, we also recognize the value of solar energy and its important role in the years to come. Incorporating renewable energy into Icebox Derby is just one of the ways ComEd is working to jumpstart solar in Illinois, and also train the workforce who will help us lead the way.”

In the coming weeks, the girls will work to build their cars from the ground – or rather fridge – up. The Icebox Derby is intended to help increase interest STEM and awareness amongst women by providing a hands-on educational platform by which girls, ages 13-18, get to work closely with ComEd mentors and other technical experts to learn about practical applications of STEM in the world and in the workforce. Important lessons about teamwork and safety are also closely tied to this initiative.

This is the third year of the program and on August 13, the new teams will put their solar-powered fridge cars to the test in a head-to-head race with their fellow Icebox Derby Racers to take home the STEM Cup, scholarship money and other prizes. Each Icebox Derby contestant will receive a scholarship for completing the program and the first place winners in the 2016 race will win a prize to be revealed at a later date. Find out more about the program by visiting www.theiceboxderby.com.

Featured

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).