gravity racing challenge after school program where stem learning meets derby track

GRAVITY RACING CHALLENGEAFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Where STEM Learning Meets Derby Track

It's been called, "The Greatest Amateur Racing

Event in the World".

"The World’s Gravity Grand Prix” But to most of the more than a million youngsters

from around the globe who have built and raced their cars, it‘s just the "Soap Box Derby."

Soap Box Derby Jeopardy

1. In what year and where was the first Soap Box Derby Race held?2. How many kids raced in the first race and how many spectators came?3. In what year did the first girl race?

To further the International Soap Box Derby’s mission is to educate and inspire all youth through

fair and honest gravity racing competition and mentorship….

The Gravity Racing Challenge was developed to promote the STEM Initiative in K-12 education worldwide.

Today GRC resources and materials are being used by K-12 educators and students in 13 states and worldwide in classrooms, summer, and after school programs in:

Singapore California North CarolinaJapan New York MarylandNew Zealand Canada FloridaOhio Virginia Oregon

The Gravity Racing Challenge provides After School Programs different student resources & learning opportunities in two distinct areas….

First the Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competitions which is hosted each May at Derby Track in Akron, Ohio.

First held in 2010, the Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition continues to experience tremendous growth…

2010 - First school team Soap Box Derby race at Derby Downs 2 teams from the National Inventors Hall of Fame

2011 - First Gravity Racing Challenge School Team Competition 9 teams from Akron area (6 schools)

2012 - 65 teams from Ohio (450 students & educators from 30 schools) - Additional GRC Team STEM Competitions offered included photography, infomercial, press release

2013 - 90 teams from Ohio; (over 700 students & educators from 42 schools)

Each team has 2 coaches, 3-10 team members (driver, alternate driver, pit crew, and media specialists) who:• Construct a soap box car from a kit• Create a design for their Team t-shirts and banner • Decide which optional STEM Competitions to do:

Photography Infomercial Press Release Poster Mini Soap Box Derby Car Competition

During this GRC Competition in May, Teams have the opportunity to

parade down Derby Track….

Compete against Teams from across Ohio and surrounding states.

Participate in interactive STEM booths

Honda BoothRacing Lego Cars

University of Akron Making Silly Putty

Corsair Flying AssociationLearning to Pilot a Plane

With this program, students use a fun, engaging Project Activity Booklets which guides them through…

Mini Soap Box Car Construction

Mini Soap Box Car Construction

How to Use Measuring Tools and the Mini Car Construction Kits

How to run the Race using a

Mini Soap Box Derby Track!

Educators’ feedback to Gravity Racing Challenge Programs & Resources:

Standards AlignedEngagingInclusive

Across the CurriculumExperiential

Team BuildingDevelops Life & Career Skills

Meaningful & Fun

To learn more about the Gravity Racing Challenge, visit our website

at: www.aasbd.org

and click on Education.

Soap Box Derby Car Construction Information: Visit: www.aasbd.org Click on You Tube. Click on Car Build Videos 1, 2, and 3

Or contact Linda Hubbell, Education Program Director, International Soap Box Derby at: Email: linda@aasbd.org Phone: 740-817-0345

5th Annual Gravity Racing Challenge Team Competition in Akron, Ohio will be held on May 17, 2014. Team Registration is currently open and is limited.

The team experience in the Soap Box Derby is like none I have ever experienced before. Soap box derby requires strong collaboration and team values. Teamwork is vital to building asuccessful car because almost everything requires a partner or a group. The ingenuity of designing the car and the problem solving skills required to troubleshoot are all key skills we will use in life regardless of the career paths we choose in the future. By: Kartik Sastry Westlake H.S.