Synergy takes over the classroom in Geraldton solar car challenge with multiple Mid West schools taking part

A bunch of Geraldton schoolchildren powered up their STEM skills to compete in the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge last week.

Celebrating 10 years of the initiative, Geraldton Senior High School hosted more than 100 local students from the Mid West, where they designed, built and raced solar-powered cars.

Over the past decade, the challenge has allowed more than 18,000 Western Australian school students to explore energy and engineering.

Close to 1000 Year 6 and Year 8 students from more than 150 Perth metropolitan and regional schools will develop science, technology, engineering, and maths skills.

On Thursday, March 19, in the Geraldton heat, first place in the Year 6 level was awarded to St Francis Xavier Primary School B, while Kalbarri District High School B clinched first place in the Year 8 category.

Synergy chief executive officer Kurt Baker said: “Over the past 10 years, the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge has helped Western Australian students discover the power of renewable energy and the possibilities it brings for the future.”

“The Synergy Schools Solar Challenge continues to educate and raise awareness of energy within schools and the wider community, which is more important than ever as the energy transition powers on. “

SOLAR CHALLENGE WINNERS

Year 6

1st — St Francis Xavier Primary School B

2nd — Mingenew Primary School

3rd — Wandina Primary School B

4th — St Francis Xavier Primary School A

Year 8

1st — Kalbarri District High School B

2nd — Dongara District High School 8A

3rd — Champion Bay Senior High School A

4th — Champion Bay Senior High School B