Akron Middle School sixth graders applied STEM skills to a Soap Box Derby event on May 9 at Derby Downs, where they competed in four races and secured one win. The students spent months preparing through two specialized groups, one focusing on car speed and the other on promotion.
“Over the past several months, students have been actively engaged in designing, building and optimizing their soapbox cars, applying problem-solving, teamwork and engineering skills to prepare for race day,” says Fundraising and Enrollment Coordinator Kyle Baldwin, who coached the Summit Academy team with Behavior Specialist Stephanie Barnes.
The project fit the students’ curiosities just right, says Barnes, who teaches a careers class. “I always start the year with gauging student interests. The sixth-grade class had interest in hands-on projects, using tools and being creative. I also felt it would be a good way to get to know the students better since they are new to middle school,” Barnes explains.
The sixth graders got off to a flying start with representatives of the famed Derby Downs visiting Summit Academy Akron Middle School to instruct the students on how to optimize the loaned cars.
“The students were responsible for doing the inspections on the cars to make sure that they are in working order. They also added the foam and changed the brake pads,” says Barnes.
In addition, the students attended a team day at Derby Downs where they prepared the cars with weights and weight checks.
“From the moment we arrived, it was clear how excited they were to participate. Their efforts showed in a competitive and exciting event, where Summit Academy participated in four races and earned one win,” Baldwin says. “It was a strong showing of perseverance, collaboration and hands-on learning in action.”