Sandy Spring Friends School students built electric car

What do you get when you have 10 students with the desire to learn (and maybe a couple of power tools)?

In the AP Environmental Science class at Sandy Spring Friends School, you get an electric vehicle. In December, students began considering building a battery powered electric vehicle as a class project, and in March their first components arrived.

Students were responsible for completing each phase of the project including overall project management, fundraising, graphics, promotional video and, of course, building the vehicle. In only two months, through many weekend building sessions, with a group of dedicated students and a supportive community, students learned how to read electrical schematics, how to solder, wiring, mechanics, how to safely use power tools, and refined problem solving and collaboration skills.

The Sandy Spring Friends School Electric Vehicle won several accolades in our debut competition (DC EV Grand Prix), including:

• Best Technical Innovation
• Best Graphics
• Best Team Photo
• 4th place overall

Check out the promotional video for the Sandy Spring Friends School Electric Vehicle:

Special thanks to the Sandy Spring Friends School electric vehicle competition sponsors: SSFS Annual Fund, FASTSIGNS of Rockville, MD (graphics), D & D Auto Body and Sport Chevrolet Co.

By Takisha Reece, Faculty Advisor, Sandy Spring Friends School