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

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • ZeroEyes, Academic Innovators Partner to Provide Safety Solutions

    ZeroEyes, which produces a multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, recently announced a partnership with Academic Innovators, according to a news release.

  • nursing students talk while studying in a hallway

    Elsevier Launches VR Simulation Solution for Nursing Students

    Elsevier has introduced Shadow Health Lab with Virtual Reality, a simulation platform that allows nursing students to interact with virtual patients and build clinical judgment skills in a safe, realistic environment.