SCIENCE!!

Science! hearing the word reminds me of a tune from the 80's by Thomas Dolby. So what does that have to do with today's post?

Over the weekend, the BITW Technologies Vincitore' 1000 made a visit to the St. Louis Science Center. Team leader, George Voll, and his dad Bob got to answer a lot of questions about the car and the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize competition. The car was on display in the lower level with a few other alternative energy displays. The Allis Chalmers Model G Electric tractor was very interesting. The Model G was designed as a small crop/ garden tractor with a rear mounted engine to improve visibility for cultivating. The engine was removed and an electric motor put in it's place. The Saint Louis Science Center hosted a “Community Science Day,” on Saturday, May 29th, 2010. This free event featured hands-on activities for visitors to gain a greater understanding about the science and technology related to super-efficient vehicles. The event was sponsored by the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE Education Program and the U.S. Department of Energy. Visitors were able to come and check out the hands-on activities and walk away with the know-how required to make educated choices on the future cars you purchase and drive.

George and Bob found that many people do not understand how a diesel engine works or that they are much cleaner than they used to be. George and Bob were able to explain the difference between the Diesel Internal Combustion Engine vehicle and the Battery Electric Vehicle. It is always a good thing to educate people about how technologies can benefit society, locally and globally. We were honored to be asked to display the Vincitore' 1000 at the center. It is a great facility with a wonderful staff! St. Louis is a fun place to visit with historic value. It was the official starting point for the Lewis and Clark expedition, after they picked up most of the group from the Louisville area, taking a boat down the Ohio river to the Mississippi. After the event had concluded, George drove near the Arch for a camera pose.

For that Thomas Dolby tune, here is a link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V83JR2IoI8k&a=p8AVQFfiIRU&playnext_from=ML