Randy J. Wormald

The "Getting a Charge Out of Helping the Environment" project brings engineering concepts and hands-on activities together to address an issue regarding the environment - pollution and efficiency of fuel-operated vehicles. Pre-engineering students at Belmont High School plan to convert a late-model, small car or truck from fuel-operated to electric-powered. The conversion will require students to investigate a variety of possible direct current (DC) motors, battery arrangements, transmission choices and wiring options. They will be asked to reach out to community members to gain everything from expertise and know-how to needed resources. The challenge of planning, designing, acquiring parts and services, and then building an electric vehicle will allow students to use their individual and collective strengths to produce a working vehicle that is road worthy. Along the way, they will also gain a greater awareness of the environmental issues that we face today. Wormald resides in Salisbury.