STEM-Based Education Program
The Derby’s STEM-Based Education Program uses the tools and values of Soap Box Derby® racing to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to students in an enjoyable, engaging way.The Education Program is designed to provide K-12 educators and students with project- and standards-based, inter-curricular learning opportunities. The Derby's Education Program includes three exciting opportunities for students and educators to become engaged in an activity that's Gravity Powered and STEM Driven!
The Soap Box Derby STEM-Based Education Curriculum provides educators and learners with a choice of five exciting, Common Core aligned modules focused on developing STEM competencies such as:
- Prototyping
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
The Curriculum contains activities that engage learners with:
- Project based lessons
- Team building
- Inquiry based learning
- Creative problem solving
- FUN!
Teams of students are building Soap Box Derby cars in classrooms and after school settings and then racing against other teams in hopes of being crowned GRC Champion!
GRC Divisions:
Stock - Grades 3-5
Super Stock - Grades 5 - 8
Super Stock - Grades 9 - 12
Engineering Design Challenge - Grades 9-12
Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition races are being held in select cities in 2017. Teams of students assemble Soap Box Derby car kits and race them against other teams in this unique competition.
The Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition engages students and educators in:
- Team Building
- Project Based Learning
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Life & Career Skills
- Measurable Outcomes
- Experiential Learning
- Fun!
Content Areas Include:
Physical Science: Scientific inquiry, forces, motion, simple machines, gravity, mass, friction, speed, kinetic and potential energy, friction.
Technology: Research, critical thinking, innovation, problem solving, collaboration, communications.
Engineering: Define problem and needs, test, refine, develop solutions, communicate, evaluate, manufacturing, engineering & design emphasis.
Arts: Visual and fine arts, creating, presenting, producing, connecting.
Mathematics: Measurement, basic math, geometry, data analysis, weight, time, problem solving.
The Soap Box Derby STEM-Based Education Mini Car Program is:
- Customized
- Inclusive
- Experiential
- Engaging
- Reinforcing
- Project Based
- Team Building
- Measurable
- Fun!
Content Areas Include:
Physical Science: Scientific inquiry, forces, motion, simple machines, gravity, mass, friction, speed, kinetic and potential energy, friction.
Technology: Research, critical thinking, innovation, problem solving, collaboration, communications.
Engineering: Define problem and needs, test, refine, develop solutions, communicate, evaluate, manufacturing, engineering & design emphasis.
Arts: Visual and fine arts, creating, presenting, producing, connecting.
Mathematics: Measurement (Standard & Metric), basic math review, decimals, fractions, geometry, graphing, slope, problem solving, time, weight.
Soap Box Derby® Education Partners:
