February 2020
Check out the latest JSS headlines:
Up to Speed

Be in the know! Don't miss several updates to both the JSS event guidelines and the JSS competition rubric.
 
You can find this pertinent information on the Competition Updates webpage ; click "Junior Solar Sprint" on that webpage for the latest changes. 
Free Kits
Thinking about launching the JSS program? Kits are still available! Remember, you must register on Cvent . Then, send your name, school, shipping address, and phone number to sking@tsaweb.org .

Please ensure that all teachers and/or advisors, volunteers, and participants are registering on the Cvent site before your state Technology Student Association conference. Students can fill out the registration on their own—but they will need a parent/legal guardian’s digital signature on the “Additional Information” page of the registration.
 
Remember: 

  • TSA middle school chapters receive two free kits.
  • Title 1 TSA middle school chapters—and any elementary schools that have registered for JSS Jumpstart through the same Cvent registration portal—receive five free kits.
  • All those who register are also eligible to receive a large (23.5” x 17.5”) JSS poster, while supplies last, to display proudly in their school or classroom!
Looking for ways to give your entry a boost?
Here are some tips and techniques suggested by
JSS Event Coordinator Bob Walters:
Gear Ratio
Gear Ratio with Pulleys or Gears
Pulley
SolarMade Gears
PITSCO Gears
Gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the driven gear, by the number of teeth on the drive gear. If pulleys are used, the gear ratio is determined by the relative circumference of the pulleys. The gear ratio along with the drive wheel diameter are critical factors which determine the speed of the JSS vehicle.

Various occurrences of friction must be reduced to a minimum. These friction points include:
  • guideline resistance
  • friction between gears
  • rubbing of axles in bearings

When mounting the motor and gears, take care that they mesh well. Also, be aware that in addition to spinning, the axles will move within the bearings in directions that are perpendicular to the axle length. For example, up and down.

Wheels may spin well when holding the vehicle in the air, but if the vehicle does not move when it is on the ground, the gears may be too tightly connected.
Each month, learn more about AEOP and its STEM connections.
Journey Beyond JSS: What's Next?
You and your team members have benefited from JSS, and now, you are looking for more ways to achieve STEM success through AEOP.

From STEM enrichment activities such as GEMS for middle school and high school students and Unite for high school students, to competitions such as eCYBERMISSION for students in grades 6–9, your team members can journey beyond JSS. See how .
For more than 50 years, the Army Outreach Educational Program (AEOP) has supported a wide range of educational opportunities in STEM for youth, college, and graduate students, as well as valued teachers. From elementary school through graduate school, students of all proficiency levels, interests, and social and economic backgrounds are encouraged to participate in real-world STEM experiences while also engaging with Army-sponsored mentors.
Get up to speed on STEM with some fun facts.
Did you Know?
Solar power is being used as disaster relief. It can satisfy energy demand in disaster situations in which conventional power sources are damaged.
"Solar systems can be shipped to an affected area, set up on the spot, and provide large amounts of power in mere hours. They can save lives with the bonus of providing an environmentally-friendly and safe alternative." Read more in this article from World Economic Forum .
Rewarding Opportunities

A JSS advisor is reporting a super STEM step forward in Franklin, TN.

Mr. Jeff Duncan and the JSS teams at the Williamson County-University of Tennessee Extension Center were featured in The Mile Marker in December. Now, Mr. Duncan says there has been "great team work, competition, sportsmanship, and collaboration" by all those involved in the program.
Students were taught basic engineering concepts and techniques to inspire them to further their STEM education and possibly pursue a career in a STEM-related area.

"STEM is a fascinating, ever-changing field with rewarding opportunities," says Mr. Duncan. "We know that we gave the students exposure to life skills and career opportunities that they may not have obtained otherwise."

Mr. Duncan also thanks the Williamson County 4-H and University of Tennessee Extension, AEOP and national TSA, and "to our mentors and volunteers, your effort is so appreciated," he says.
Do you have a story or photos featuring your JSS team?
They could be highlighted in this section.
The JSS e-newsletter, The Mile Marker , offers news and information on JSS a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition administered by TSA with a grant awarded by AEOP.

JSS empowers teachers, mentors, and other community members to engage 5th through 8th grade students in the designing, building, and racing of model solar cars.