The wheels were turning on Saturday – literally – as students from First Presbyterian Christian Academy and Richmond Hill High School showcased the working electric vehicles they built as part of their math, science and research classes.
Students applied the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to construct the electric go-kart-style vehicles built from kits donated by the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation. The two school groups met at Richmond Hill High School on Saturday to compare notes, see results of the other class’s hard work and test-drive their vehicles. The Foundation also donated a kit to Bradwell Institute, who will introduce the electric vehicle project to their students next year.
“We are proud of the innovative thinking and hard work these students invested in the electric vehicle project,” said Whit Hollowell, Coastal Electric CEO. “We are glad we could play a part in empowering them to learn new skills and grow in their problem-solving abilities. But inspired teachers like Emma Fettes and Holly Killough are the real heroes who bring project-based learning experiences like this into their classrooms and empower young minds to consider career paths in science, technology, engineering and math.”
The electric vehicle project is one of many similar programs supported by members of Coastal Electric Cooperative with their voluntary contributions to the Coastal Electric Cooperative Foundation each month through Operation Round Up. The Foundation supports locally-awarded scholarships, the Washington Youth Tour leadership experience and Bright Ideas grants and supports community needs related to food, health, shelter, safety and education.