Integrating Sustainability in a K-12 STEM Outreach Module on Examining and Testing a Model RC Car
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Luke Venstrom
College
College of Engineering (COE)
Discipline(s)
Mechanical Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-30-2026
Abstract
Children from the local area often visit Valparaiso University, where they fill their time with fun and engaging STEM-based activities tailored to their age range. The university strives to build an interest in science and engineering through these community outreach events. One such activity, for children from kindergarten to 4th grade, was proposed to involve solar panels. This would be a way to introduce children to a form of renewable energy and have them experience what it can do. The goal of this research is to discover more about solar technology’s capabilities and simplify them in order to create a fun activity for children from kindergarten to 4th grade. The end-product will be a prototype of a solar powered car that they would be putting together either individually or in a group setting. It will be a fun way to entertain children and teach them about the benefits of clean solar energy while allowing them to discover new elements of science.
Recommended Citation
Harvey, Ingrid P.; Ramirez, Allayna M.; and Rehnquist, Logan, "Integrating Sustainability in a K-12 STEM Outreach Module on Examining and Testing a Model RC Car" (2026). Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE). 1543.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1543
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Ingrid Harvey is a 1st year Environmental Engineering major, Allayna Ramirez is a 1st year Mechanical Engineering major, and Logan Rehnquist is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering major. The three were presented with this research opportunity through the GE-190 Topics of Engineering class. After consulting Professor Luke Venstrom, he provided the project of a K-12 Solar Powered outreach and a car was chosen as the subject. Each member is involved in the engineering program at Valpo and has a background in one of the solar power systems and/or RC car. Allayna participated in robotics during high school and now in college. Ingrid attended an environmental charter school in her K-8 years which kickstarted her interest in environmental sustainability.