Watt a win

Burrendah Primary School Year 6 students have raced to the top in the Synergy Schools Solar Challenge, with an impressive display of teamwork, creativity and scientific know-how.

The hands-on competition, held at Murdoch University, saw students design, build and race solar-powered cars while applying their knowledge of renewable energy and engineering principles.

Science specialist, Bek Knight, said the challenge was now embedded in the school’s science program, giving students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom in a real-world setting. 

“The Solar Car Challenge is embedded within our Year 5 to 6 physical sciences program, where students explore energy, forces and sustainable technologies,” Miss Knight said. 

“Students move from building foundational knowledge to applying it through hands-on design and testing, allowing them to see how scientific concepts operate in real-world contexts. 

“This connection strengthens both conceptual understanding and engagement with the broader idea of renewable energy. 

“Students were able to see the direct relationship between sunlight and energy production by designing and racing cars powered by solar panels. 

“Changes in conditions, such as cloud cover, made the impact of renewable energy immediately visible and meaningful. 

“This hands-on experience helped students connect abstract concepts to real-world applications of sustainable energy.” 

Miss Knight said that teamwork played a key role in the school’s success, with students taking on specialised roles throughout the project. 

She said that students worked collaboratively by taking on specialised roles within their team, including electrical engineer, solar energy analyst, friction scientist, and mechanical assembly. 

“Each student developed expertise in their area while contributing to shared problem-solving and decision-making,” she said.

“This structure supported accountability, effective communication, and a strong sense of collective responsibility. 

“Experiences like the Solar Car Challenge provide authentic opportunities for students to apply science, technology and engineering skills in meaningful ways. 

“Students develop confidence, curiosity and problem-solving capabilities, which are essential for future STEM pathways. 

“These real-world connections help students see themselves as capable innovators and inspire ongoing interest in STEM learning.” 

Year 6 student Sara, the electrical engineer on the project, said the win was a proud moment for the team. She said that designing and racing a solar-powered car helped bring science to life. 

“I was so happy and proud of my team,” Sara said. 

“I was really excited and truly happy. 

“For this project, we were creating solar cars. You need solar panels which absorbs energy from the sun. 

“This energy flows through the wires that are connected to the motor and on and off switch which powers the car. 

“The hardest part was putting the car on the racetrack and letting the car go. 

“Other teams kept pushing their cars ahead, so we had to keep restarting, and we hadn’t prepared our car for using batteries, so removing the solar panel was a little tricky. 

“But we definitely managed.” 

The experience has left a lasting impression on her interest in science and sustainability. 

“I feel more attached to science than I was before,” Sara said. 

“I think using solar panels and solar energy can really help the environment and reduce the use of electricity.” 

Find out how to express interest for the 2027 challenge through the challenge website.