NOVEMBER 2020
Check out the latest JSS headlines:
TSA Title 1 middle schools
There is an opportunity to bring Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) to five middle schools nationwide. TSA is looking for schools that have classified themselves as Title 1. This initiative will cover membership costs for this school year and the following year, and allow schools to implement JSS year-round. Contact JSS Manager, Sue King, for complete details.
Ready, Set, Go!
Please ensure that all teachers and/or advisors, volunteers, and participants are registering on the Cvent site. 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.
Free Kits
TSA middle school chapter advisors— once you have affiliated your chapter and registered for JSS on Cvent—send your name, school and shipping address to sking@tsaweb.org to receive a limited number of FREE PITSCO Ray Catcher Kits! Each kit contains a solar panel, electric motor, and a pair of small alligator clips for easy hookup.
Looking for ways to give your entry a boost?
Here are some tips and techniques suggested by JSS Event Coordinator Bob Walters:
Tip #3: Guideline Connection
Wire or Paper Clip
Outrigger
Flexible Plastic Coil
Avoid Screweyes
The guideline is between zero and 1.5 centimeters above the ground. It is not disconnected from start and finish gates. Design a connection device which is easy to connect and disconnect from the guideline. Solid wire and even paper clips can be used. Positioning the connector outside of the chassis, but not below the chassis facilitates easy connection and disconnection of vehicle from guidewire. Screw Eyes are a bad choice. Even when opened up to allow the guideline to be inserted, they are too small and the guideline slips out.
Tip #4: Reduce Friction - Axles and Bearings
Polish Axle
Dirty Axle
Overhanging Bearing
Wheel Rubbing on Chassis
Screw Eyes
Nut
Tube, Hole in Chassis, Eye Bolt
Polishing the axles reduces friction. Bearing surfaces should be smooth and slick. Materials such as nylon or steel work well. Mount the bearing so it overhangs the edge of the chassis. This ensures that the wheel does not rub on the chassis. Considering that very little power is available, this rubbing often will stop the vehicle. There are a variety of items and techniques for bearings such as, screw eyes, nuts, tubes, a hole in the chassis, and an eye bolt.
Each month, learn more about AEOP and its STEM connections.
Solar Car Design, Virtually
Will you be implementing JSS virtually? Check out the JSS blog featured on the AEOP website.

To help teachers facilitate continuity of learning and provide extracurricular educational opportunities amid the chaos of closed schools, the Technology Student Association (TSA) has bolstered strategies to support virtual STEM learning for students. Read more here.
TSA Solar Car Summer Camp
TSA chapter advisor, Gunnar Thomason, of Stevens Middle School (Washington), held a two week TSA Solar Car Summer Camp this past summer. He had twenty-three students participate in the camp and used safety protocols due to the pandemic situation. A few tips:
  • He used the TSA/JSS eight-week syllabus as his scope and sequence.
  • Each student had his or her own physical engineering notebook with the TSA/JSS guidelines as an addendum. 
  • Each student had their own bin of materials/supplies and small tools that they put away at the end of the day. They could take home their engineering notebook to do research, sketches, etc. however, brought them back each day. 

Mr. Thomason added, “The students had a blast and it was a much needed break from being isolated at home. They are all excited to be a part of TSA this coming year.”
Do you have a story and/or photos featuring your JSS team?
They could be highlighted in this section.