We wanted to let you know about a new STEM program that the Greater Houston Soap Box Derby Organization is starting. GHSBD is a non-profit organization and they have a pristine dedicated track in Hockley Park.
Greater Houston Soap Box Derby is seeking groups and individuals that are interested in helping organize, develop and promote an educational program that utilizes derby cars and the Hockley Derby Park as a fun learning experience. Teams or individuals can compete against other youth grouped by elementary, middle and high school divisions. Here is the info that we received:
STEM Organizational Meeting: Demonstrations & Discussions of Project Ideas
• Date & Time - Saturday, October 10, 2015 @ 2 PM (after New Driver Training that starts at noon)
• Location - Harris County Pct. 3 Hockley Recreational Complex
STEM Project Ideas: Brain Storm / Design / Construct / Test / Results
# 1 Design and build a car shell that would fit on an existing Super Stock car chassis provided by GHSBD using low-cost materials like cardboard, duct tape, paper mache, plastic mesh fabric, wood, glue and other things kids can safely work with. The goal is to design a car shell that can pass a safety check and be raced on the hill. Then make adjustments to the design to see if it makes it any faster.
# 2 As an option to #1, use SketchUpMake (free CAD software) to design a car shell. A 3D model of a Super Stock chassis is available from GHSBD and instructional Youtube videos are available for those wanting to learn how to use SketchUp.
# 3 Study what makes a derby car go faster by using available monitoring devices and software or developing and implementing your own testing tools. This could be a combination of computer programs, video and/or mechanical devices. Test cars are available from GHSBD.
Check-out a short YouTube video
Please help us spread the word about this educational program by sharing this with those you think may be interested.
Regards,
Rick Higginbotham, President
Greater Houston Soap Box Derby
www.ghsbd.org