On June 8, about 100 young Rhode Islanders will be recycling soda cans, drinking straws, empty spools of thread and lids from peanut butter jars as they race model solar electric cars built from these items at the 2013 RI Junior Solar Sprint design and speed competition this Saturday. Judges will be giving awards for both speed and design innovation categories ranging from “Technical Merit” to “Best Use of Recycled Materials.”

The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living has hosted the RI state race since 2004. This year’s sprint will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Met School at 325 Public Street in Providence. Anyone between the age of 10 and 14 who has designed and built their own solar-powered model car may register to compete. More information and registration can be found at www.apeiron.org.