EnergyWhiz is a renewable energy focused event for students to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) capabilities through project-based learning activities. EnergyWhiz 2021 virtual competitions include:
JSS cars race down the track!Students repair vehicles between races at the fix-it tent.Two teams prep their JSS cars for the race.
A crowd gathers around the JSS tracks.
Junior Solar Sprint
(Grades 4th – 8th)
In this event, students build a model size solar electric car. Students submit their design journals, photos and a video of their car running using the Sun’s Energy. Each car is judged on technology, craftsmanship, innovation and appearance. This event challenges students to use their science, creative thinking, and teamwork skills.
A team member preps their Energy Transfer Machine for another run.Describing how their machine transfers energy.
A complex section of a larger Energy Transfer Machine.
Energy Transfer Machine on Video
(Grades 3rd – 12th)
Students from around the globe are challenged to transform everyday materials into a wacky, innovative machine that performs a variety of energy transfers within a specified time. The machine must accomplish a team-specified task at the one-minute mark.
Students will submit a video of their machine in action.
ETM Design Forms and Judging sheet examples coming in December 2020
Rules coming December 2020
Testing out a solar powered skate board.This team created a solar powered emergency buoy
A solar powered hydroponics farm.
Energy Innovations
(Grades 4th – 12th)
This activity requires students to design a project powered by renewable energy that has a real-world use. Design awards are judged based on creativity, construction, message and marketing of the product.
EI Project Suggestions:
Clean Transportation
Energy Efficient Buildings (and pet houses)
Water
Solar Cooking
Agriculture
Artwork or Demonstration Project to increase awareness of renewable energy
Forms and Judging Sheet examples coming December 2020.
Rules coming December 2020
Still have questions about the 2021 Virtual EnergyWhiz?
Email Penny Hall at penny@fsec.ucf.edu.
The following in-person events will return in 2022!
This in-person event will return in 2022!
A team shows off their solar cooker.Preparing an award winning meal.Presentation was key to this meal’s success.
A team goes before the judges with their finished dishes.
Solar Energy Cook-off
(Grades 4th – 12th)
In this two-part cook-off, students design and build solar thermal “ovens” to cook their tasty creations. Then, students present their solar-cooked dish to a panel of judges. Students compete for best solar cooker design, as well as a culinary award.
Students show off their knowledge and abilities in engineering and construction. Likewise, they also show their problem-solving skills.
Testing out a solar powered skate board.This team created a solar powered emergency buoy
A solar powered hydroponics farm.
Energy Innovations
(Grades 4th – 12th)
This activity requires students to work together to design a full-scale project powered by renewable energy that has a real-world use. Design awards are judged based on creativity, construction, message and marketing of the product.
Students show off their cottage’s unique water catching feature.The Happy Hoppers with their Critter Comfort Cottage on display.
A High School team accepts an award for their well made Critter Comfort Cottage.
Critter Comfort Cottage
(Grades 4th – 12th)
This event is a real-world engineering and communications challenge. Students use green building design and construction techniques to create an energy-efficient, cost-effective, comfortable “home” for a critter. Teams must also create a marketing plan that describes the features and benefits of their comfort cottage for the critter they have selected.
Electrathon cars line up for a race at EnergyWhiz.
Electrathon
(High School – Adult)
The Electrathon is a competition involving participant-designed and built electric vehicles. These go-cart-type vehicles are powered by an electric motor and batteries. Therefore, students must skillfully design and drive the vehicles in order to maximize the number of laps traveled within a specified time limit.