Designing fuel-cell car encourages youth to consider careers in science, technology, engineering

Middle and elementary school teams from around New Mexico participated in the annual Hydrogen Fuel Cell Challenge in Albuquerque. A total of 46 teams from 31 schools worked to build fuel-cell cars for this year’s competition with guidance from their teachers and parents.

Designing and building the cars required the application of students’ math and science skills and considerable knowledge about the alternative fuel source. Ultimately, the competition helps improve students’ understanding of scientific concepts and renewable energy technologies and encourages young people to consider science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

Tommy Rockward, of LANL’s Sensors and Electromechanical Devices group, demonstrated a hydrogen fuel-cell powered scooter, giving students a first-hand opportunity to see fuel cells in action.

The Northern New Mexico teams that brought home awards included Tony Quintana Elementary (Española), second place in the Essay Competition;
 Mountain Elementary (Los Alamos), third place in the Design Competition;
 Piñon Elementary (White Rock), Sportsmanship Award; and James Rodriguez Elementary (Española) won the Spirit Award.

Congratulations to all the students and the teachers and parents who helped lead them to success!