Let the Competition Begin: 18th Annual Solar Cup™ Launches

WHAT:

The boat-building workshop is the first in a series of Solar Cup activities held over the next seven months, when students will gain hands-on experience in math, electrical and mechanical engineering, and problem-solving, while learning about the importance of the conservation of natural resources.

WHEN:

Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE:

Three Valleys Municipal Water District, 1021 E. Miramar Ave., Claremont

VISUALS:

Students, some handling tools for the first time, will use boat hull kits, saws, drills and other tools to build their hulls, with the help of their teachers and Metropolitan’s education program leaders.

Solar Cup began in 2002 with eight schools and 100 students. It has grown to one of the largest solar-powered boating competitions in the country. This year, about 720 students from 36 schools in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties are participating (list of schools attached).

In the months ahead, teams will work together to equip the boats with steering, solar panels, batteries and sun-driven motors producing up to 320 watts. Students will also accumulate points through the submission of two technical reports and a water conservation public service announcement.

While Metropolitan provides the boat kits and tools, Metropolitan’s member agencies and their water retailers financially sponsor the teams, providing $4,000 to new teams and $2,500 to returning teams to fully build and equip their boats.