J&J WATTS
Event Location: Cocoa-FL
Competition: Junior Solar Sprint
Division: 4-6 (JSS Green)
School: Orlando Science Elementary
Team Name: J&J WATTS
Project Name: Project WATTS
Team Size: 2
Team Grade: Grade 5
Team Players: Tzekan C and Judah C
Car Information
Gear Ratio: Possibly 1-4
Weight: 251 Grams
Width: 13.5 Centimeters
Length: 30 Centimeters
Height: 11.5 Centimeters (Flat Solar Panel), 19 Centimeters (Angled Solar Panel)
Model: Solar Made Junior Solar Sprint Deluxe Kit
Video Links
Test Run #1 (Battery): Test Run Version 2 (Battery)
Test Run #2 (Solar Panel): Test Run Version 2 (Solar Panel)
Vehicle Features: Vehicle Features Version 2
Log
10/3/24: We connected the wheels to the axles then cut the chassis into a specific design. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
10/24/24: We found the correct gears for the axle and motor and cut straws to glue to the chassis. Approximately 10 Minutes.
10/31/24: We attached the motor and axle with the wheels attached to our chassis with hot glue guns. Approximately 10-15 Minutes.
11/7/24: We noticed that the axle was out of place, so we removed the axles and the motor. Approximately 10 Minutes.
11/21/24: We switched out the gears for Solar Made gears and remove the motor holder to make sure the gears touched. Approximately 10-15 Minutes.
11/22/24: We attached pieces of Balsa wood for the holder of our solar panel. We also started on our website. Then, Justin’s dad tested the car with an AA battery, it turns out the wires are in the wrong place and that is why the car goes backwards. So, he switched the wires’ positions. We will move the motor to the other side so the axle’s gear won’t move. Approximately 5-15 Minutes.
11/23/24: We unattached the back axle to correct the gear’s position as it was facing the wrong way, so it the axis gear can’t move around. Then, we put the straws back into its position to glue the straws onto the chassis. Tomorrow, we will attach the solar panel and battery holder. Approximately 10-25 Minutes.
11/24/24: We tested the car with two AA batteries while fixing the axle to make sure they wouldn’t move. Afterwards, we attached the solar panel with a hot glue gun to test it again outside. While testing, we recorded our first trials of testing the car. Finally, Justin made the Video Features about Project WATTS. Approximately 2-5 Minutes.
1/23/25: We changed the front wheels to the Pitsco wheels and we hot glued them to make the car go straighter. We also took off the solar panel and supporting wood to modify the base of the solar panel. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
2/6/25: We added Velcro to the solar panel and the new modified base (cylinder container) together. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
2/13/25: We added more Velcro to both the base and the solar panel so we can adjust the panel. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
2/20/25: We hot glued the base to the car with the Velcro attaching with the solar panel. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
2/27/25: We reengineered the solar panel’s base with Legos. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
3/6/25: We attached the new base of the solar panel, we also attached the panel to the base. Approximately 5-10 Minutes.
3/13/25: We used J-B Weld to attach the solar panel and the base, which makes it stronger and more durable. Approximately 10-15 Minutes.
3/29/25: We tested the car with the battery pack, adjusting the car’s wires and fixing the connection between the solar panel and the motor. This was done with Justin’s dad. Approximately 15-30 Minutes.
4/1/25: Justin’s dad brought in a new and longer blue wire to make it easier for the wire to attach to the solar panel. Approximately 2-5 Minutes
4/2/25: We tested the car with the solar panel and noticed the wheels came off, so we decided to continue on with the website, fixing it later on. Approximately 2-5 Minutes.
4/3/25: Judah and Justin completed their Video Description video with their teammates with their own cars. Justin and his Mom also tried testing it but there was not enough Sun. Approximately 15-25 Minutes.
4/5/25: Justin and his dad finally made the test run with the solar panel that compares the difference when the Sun is blocked by the clouds and when it isn’t. Approximately 5-15 Minutes. We also logged everything from 4/3/25-4/5/25.
Materials List
| PARTS | QUANTITY | COST |
| Solar Made Solar Panel | 1 | $33.99 |
| Solar Made Electric Motor | 1 | |
| Solar Made Axles | 1 | |
| Solar Made Plastic Wheels and Tires | 2 | |
| Balsa Wood | 1 | $1.00 |
| Battery Holder | 1 | Recycled |
| Pitsco Axle | 1 | Recycled |
| Pitsco Plastic Wheels | 2 | Recycled |
| Legos | 12 | Recycled |
| Switch | 1 | Recycled |
Vehicle Images
Excellent documentation! The wheels in the pictures look a little… off. I would make sure to fix those for maximum speed on race day. Good luck!
Great job documenting, see you on Race Day