In Maryborough , Australia is held the annual green grand prix. In this event schools race each other on billycarts, bikes and sleek hybrid-powered vehicles.
The competition is aimed at making children think about the impact vehicle exhaust is having on the environment. “We’re pedalling for a cleaner environment,” explains 12-year-old Michael Hill, a member of the team from Craigieburn’s Willmott Park Primary School. “We’re protecting the Earth and using less greenhouse gases.”
The convener of the event, John Stafford started the Breakthrough in 1991.Since then it has gone a long way in increasing the children’s knowledge about environmental issues. Winners are determined not only by how many laps they complete, but on presentations by the students that must demonstrate their understanding of topics such as vehicle design and energy efficiency.
In the first year of the Breakthrough, the competition had just 20 schools. This year there are teams from about 300 schools across Victoria and interstate.
Via: The Age
