A solar powered model racing car can be made quite easily using very basic equipment, tools and materials.

A pair of scissors insulation tape, sellotape and a craft knife, for holding some of the components to the straw frame.

Two 3 to 6v motors are needed to drive the back wheels and a piece of 2mm compressed polystyrene or PVC. The motors will be taped to the polystyrene using insulation tape.

Two rubber wheels with a 1.5/2mm hole through the centre. The wheels will be pushed straight on to the shafts of the motors (friction fit).

One /two jumbo art straws, 400mm in length. These will be used to make the basic frame of the vehicle.

A plastic wheel will be used for the front of the vehicle. A small 2mm steel axle is also required.

A line of electrical connectors are used to connect the wires from the motors to the solar panels and ON/OFF switch.

A small electrical screw driver, wire cutters, wire strippers, long nose pliers and soldering iron, for working with the electronics aspect of the project.

Cheap solar panels (photovoltaic panels). These will provide the electrical power required to drive the model solar car forward.

A toggle switch or similar switch to turn on and off the supply of electricity.

An A3 piece of card with the size of the card base and bodywork clearing marked out. If a number of model solar powered cars are to be made, simply photocopy the as many times as necessary.

A range of drawing equipment will be needed to add a design and colour scheme to the bodywork of the model car.