AUSTIN EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS LEARN RACE TECHNOLOGY AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
About 150 eighth-grade students from Austin’s Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders participated in a special project that combined elements of science, technology, math and engineering with the fun of racing at Circuit of The Americas on Friday.
The students had spent the past six weeks designing, preparing and building miniature race cars out of recycled materials that they finally got a chance to race on a special track at the Southeast Austin circuit.
The cars were made from shoeboxes, egg crates and toilet paper rolls with wheels made of CDs and bottle caps. Each was powered by gravity and balloons.
The program teaches students how to balance energy, force, mass and acceleration to create a car that is energy efficient and fast. It also teaches skills in leadership and teamwork.
While at Circuit of The Americas, the students got to study a real Williams Martini Racing Formula One car to learn how science and technology is used in racing. They also got to take in the breath-taking views atop the Circuit’s iconic 25-story observation tower.
“We are so happy to have hosted so many young women and to teach them the value of science, technology, engineering and math in the exciting environment of a Formula One racetrack,” said Edgar Farrera, the Circuit’s Director of Sustainability.
