Solar Racer Class Kit

As students build and wire their own solar racer, they learn how solar energy is converted into electrical power to create motion through an engaging, hands-on STEM and CTE experience. This engaging project connects clean energy science to real-world applications in transportation and engineering.

Build, Wire, and Race a Solar-Powered Car

Students assemble components that pop together with friction, requiring no tools for construction. Students can decorate their wooden chassis using washable markers, permanent markers, or craft paint to personalize their racers. As they connect the solar panel, motor, and drivetrain, they explore circuitry, energy transfer, and mechanical systems in action. Once complete, the solar racer moves at a fast adult walking pace in full sunlight, adding excitement and friendly competition to your classroom.

Explore Solar Energy and Power Conversion

Through hands-on building, students investigate how solar cells capture sunlight and convert it into usable electrical energy. Lessons reinforce key concepts such as circuits, motors, drivetrains, and real-world solar applications. This applied learning model helps students understand how renewable energy technologies power vehicles and everyday devices.

Connect to Renewable Energy and Transportation Careers

The Solar Racer Class Kit opens the door to conversations about careers in renewable energy, sustainable transportation, engineering, product design, and environmental systems. Students begin thinking like engineers as they troubleshoot wiring, optimize performance, and evaluate design choices. The project aligns with Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation Technology, and Agriculture and Environmental Systems career pathways.

Includes Structured Digital Lessons

Three days of digital lessons guide teachers and students through circuitry, solar technology, and drivetrain fundamentals. These ready-to-use resources support clear instruction while strengthening technical vocabulary and conceptual understanding. The structure makes implementation easy while maintaining strong STEM and CTE alignment. Accommodates 25 students (1 per car). Recommended for Upper Elementary and up.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Fast-paced racing fun that reinforces applied learning
• Connects renewable energy concepts to real-world transportation careers
• Encourages engineering design, troubleshooting, and creativity
• Teaches solar energy conversion, circuits, motors, and drivetrains
• Supports career pathways in Renewable Energy, Engineering, and Transportation
• Hands-on solar-powered car assembly with no tools required
• Includes three days of digital STEM lessons

Inspire future engineers and renewable energy innovators with an engaging, race-ready project. Add the Solar Racer Class Kit to your STEM or CTE program and power up your next energy lesson.

Kit includes:

• Rubber-Tread Wheels, 100 Ea
• Metal Axles, 50 Ea
• Wood Frame Plates, 50 Ea
• Foam Tape Pieces, 50 Ea
• Pulley Pieces, 50 Ea
• Solar Panels, 25 Ea
• DC Motors, 25 Ea
• Rubber Bands, 25 Ea
• Wood Files, 25 Ea