Hong Kong Trip

We were invited to visit the Institute for Vocational Education (Tsing Yi campus) in Hong Kong to participate in sharing sessions. IVE has built two generations of SOPHIE, a solar car, and they hope to compete in the 2013 World Solar Challenge.

Alejandro, Rachel, Maddie, and I were honored to go to Hong Kong and help the talented IVE team. I think that everyone learned a lot and came away with a renewed desire to rayce well.

McKay School Visit and Junior Solar Sprints

In May, some students from the McKay School in Boston came to see Eleanor. George, Mike, and I showed them the shop and the car.

 George and Mike talking with the students.

We also had the opportunity to display Eleanor at the Junior Solar Sprints in Cambridge, which was held at MIT's track.

We enjoyed seeing the mini solar cars that the children built and raced!

Future solar raycers.

South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

Yesterday, we drove Eleanor to South Boston and marched in the parade. It was raining the entire time, but there was still a sizable crowd. Many parade watchers were in awe when they saw Eleanor.

Waiting before the parade began.

Many thanks to Rick Winterson (MIT '56) for making arrangements for us to participate in the parade.

Visit from Codman Academy

Yesterday, we had almost 50 students come to visit from the Codman Academy Charter School. George, Maddie, and I had fun teaching them about the car and showing them around the shop.

 

Explaining the electrical system during the presentation.

 

Checking out Eleanor in the shop.

  We were glad to have the students over, and maybe we'll see them again next year!

Photo credit: Maddie Hickman

TeenLife Boston Community Volunteer Fair

Last Sunday, we took Eleanor to the TeenLife Boston fair in Chestnut Hill. People were pretty enthusiastic about the car and asked a lot of questions.

 

Before the fair began.

  

 

Michael B., Fiona, and Mike talk with fair participants.

  We enjoyed showing the car at the fair. Thanks to TeenLife Boston for inviting us!

Photo credit: Chris Pentacoff

The Tech article, Boston Teen Life Fair

Last week, Eleanor and the SEVT were featured in The Tech, MIT's student newspaper.

On Saturday, February 7th, we will be displaying Eleanor at the TeenLife Boston Community Service Fair in Chestnut Hill, MA. This will be Eleanor's first public appearance since Australia. In fact, she hasn't been shown in the U.S. since we visited the Detroit Science Center this past summer.


Fiona

Greening MIT

On September 14, MIT held its annual community fall break in Killian Court. The theme was "Greening MIT," and we were invited to host a table.

Although we couldn't display Eleanor (she's being shipped to Australia!), people were still pretty enthusiastic. Mike and I talked with students about the team and solar car racing, and we picked up quite a few potential recruits. President Hockfield stopped by for a few minutes to inquire about WSC, which was nice.

We've been busy with teaching new members and prepping for the race. Less than a month to go!
kelly