Kids shine in solar car challenge

Wet weather did not dampen spirits at the inaugural Great Southern Synergy Schools Solar Challenge, with more than 100 students from 12 schools taking part in the event at North Albany Senior High School.

The event was moved indoors on Thursday last week because of the overcast conditions.

Solar-charged batteries were used on the hand-built vehicles.

Students formed teams and built their solar cars from scratch in the first couple of hours before racing their rival schools on a 30m track inside NASHS gymnasium.

The racing was tight as students did their best to reach the finals, although some machines struck trouble on the track.

St Joseph’s College won a thrilling Year 8 decider, defeating Albany Senior High School, Denmark Senior High School and NASHS.

A combined team under the PEAC Albany Centre banner were victorious in the Year 6 category as they edged out Yakamia Primary School, Flinders Park Primary School and Braeside Primary School.