Jerling Students Succeed in Lithium-Powered Car Competition

Jerling Jr. High students in teacher Judy Stellato's honors class recently competed in an electric car race and design competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The goals of the program, according to the Department, are to generate enthusiasm for science and engineering, improve students' understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies, and encourage young people to consider and prepare for technical careers at an early age. Students had two weeks to build their cars, after receiving only a lithium battery and motor. Stellato held an in-class competition first to determine the three teams that would travel for the event. She notes that 2012 was the first time she had three all-female teams as the finalists. The team of Sarah Zieba, Matthea Wong, Jenni Forkin, Sonia Brania, and Leah Warchol earned third place for design. The students believe their success was due to the ability to effectively answer questions posed by the three-member panel of engineers, as they fully understood the components of their vehicle. As a result of the challenge, students note that they learned more about how cars are built and what makes them efficient. The teams also expressed appreciation to Stellato for her support and invitations to participate in such events. Other participants included Mara O'Connor, Claire Walsh, Tala Abusharif, Kamile Petraiyte, Justyna Skowronski, Amanda DeVos, Amanda Ryan, Abby Desai, Jenna Ligdas, and Monica Marsan.