My students need CO2 Race car balsa blanks and cartridges for their research and design project, so that each student will be able to design and create their own race car.
My kids are learning how to become problem solvers. My class is their first introduction to STEM. Students are challenged to discover, design, build and create with hands on activities. Every day students are challenged to think outside the box and come up with solutions to real world problems.
My school is a great, high achieving school.
My school is quickly becoming one of the older schools in a very quickly growing community, but still remains among the best in our district. My students are tomorrow's engineers! They are a diverse group of 8th graders taking their first real elective class. They are brilliant in so many ways, but lack a strong ability to problem solve/create. They are at the age where their creativity can be harnessed into new and innovative ideas. My students are diverse group that often haven't yet found their niche. Being an elective class the students in my class want to be a part of the contributing members for group and individual projects. In some cases my class is the reason they come to school.
My Project
With this STEM project and these resources students will be able to bring life to their design ideas. Students are challenged with researching and engineering a CO2 powered race car that will travel down a 65 foot track. Some will reach speeds over 50 mph! Some will not survive a race. Students will use the knowledge gained from their research to design a styrofoam prototype, discover any weaknesses in their design, and then apply changes and create the real thing. Throughout the process students will learn practical application of force of motion, design skills, math, mechanical drawing and use of machines. The practical experience gained from this project is monumental in developing and maintaining interest in the engineering field. These resources will truly help us bring STEM to life in the classroom.
This project is a valuable tool in recruiting young minds into STEM, and create future engineers.
This project is one of the sole reasons students will elect to take my class. It also helps to motivate more girls into trying out STEM related courses. Students will gain interest into the engineering field after being involved in this project and seek out high school courses related to STEM.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Bergstrom and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.