Fairhope High School Engineers Learn Through Moonbuggy

By Chad Petri Reporter

Fairhope High School is one of dozens of schools nationwide taking part in an engineering contest. The Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville is a test of brains and brawn. Fairhope High School Engineers Learn Through Moonbuggy

Published: Thu, April 03, 2008 - 4:00 am Last Updated: Mon, July 28, 2008 - 10:27 pm

Chad Petri

This moonbuggy built for two is designed to traverse a rough lunar landscape. Fairhope High School’s parking lot is the practice field and proving ground.

“[You] take something, you beat it up, you fix what you break and then you make it better,” says Senior David Oliphant.

It's the fifth time Fairhope engineering students have competed. This year's model features tough suspension and turning levers that help them get over obstacles, even at a dead stop most of the time.

“[It] allows kids an opportunity to put their hands on engineering and they have a massive undertaking to design and build this moon buggy and they get a feel for exactly what it's like to be an engineer,” says Teacher Danny Coleman.

This is a competition that's taxing on the mind and the body because these guys have to go over some rough terrain before they can really compete, so that means strong legs.

“It's grueling, especially when you get out on that course and you're about halfway through and you start dying,” Oliphant.

The buggy has to meet NASA size specs. It needs to fold into a four foot space before being ready for competition.

“We got enough speed, we geared it for the right torque, that way we can get up higher hills and everything,” says Terrance Mitchell.

The competition is Friday. Each team is required to have one guy and one girl on the buggy. This encourages women to pursue engineering.