AURORA-RMIT 101 SOLAR CAR INSPIRES 50 SCHOOLS

An important part of Aurora's "Beyond Dreaming" program for 2001/02 is to widely promote green and sustainable energy alternatives through displays and seminars.

This has been made an enjoyable experience for a number of Aurora "promoters" because of the high level of interest evident in many school groups.

Aurora's spectacular achievements in on-road events over the past 9 months has made the Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car a big hit when displayed to school groups.

Some 19 school groups participated in the popular "Back a Winner!" program which listed contributors of $30 on the back of the space-grade solar cells used on the solar car. North Fitzroy Primary School won a special prize and had a unique "solar car visit" on 20 December 2001 as their reward.

The Automotive Career Days, 13-15 March 2002, held at the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong attracted about 1,200 students from 12 district schools to 7 special sessions featuring the Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car and speaker, Tony Vriens.

Open days at RMIT University have consistently shown off the Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car, highlighting the direct involvement of students in research initiatives in aerodynamics wheel-motors and battery systems.

World Environment Day on 5 June 2002 saw Eltham environment group, P.E.P., organise 7 schools and 400 students to a display and talk about solar energy.

Most recently, Aurora team members were the leading speakers at a "hybrid seminar" for 9 schools entered in the forthcoming RACV Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough, central Victoria (21-24 November).

"Solar energy is firmly in students' minds" said David Fewchuk, Co-Chairman of Aurora. "They have a great interest in future energy trends and a strong belief that sustainable sources, such as solar and wind power, are here to stay".

The Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car will soon be competing in Japan's two major solar car events, the Dream Cup at Suzuka on 27, 28 July and the World Solar Rallye at Akita, 2-4 August. In both events, Aurora team members will see many high school solar car entrants in a booming "junior" class and hope to bring back information to develop such a class in Australia.

Altogether, some 50 schools have directly seen the Aurora-RMIT 101 solar car over the past 9 months.