Driving STEM Education via Motorsports

Driving STEM Education via Motorsports a Closer Look at Donk Racing — A Work in Process Paper

Michigan University

This work-in-progress research paper describes a community-based study to better understand the attraction of underrepresented minorities to an unconventional motorsport , Donk racing, as a pathway to STEM discovery. This study detects an unconscious attraction to STEM in African American youth who enjoy motorsports, especially automobile and motorcycle racing.

Uncovering the attraction to STEM early in the educational process yields an opportunity to address the missing connections leading to career choices that provide greater social mobility and meet a national need. A research team has been working passionately on a groundbreaking study centered around the intriguing intersection of motorsports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This mixed-method study seeks to understand the connection between academic preferences and career choices through the lens of motorsports enthusiasts.

3D Printed STEM Racers : 7 Steps

(article credit to instructables.com)

These 3D printed STEM race cars are the perfect project based learning tool to help teachers get kids excited about science, technology, engineering, math, and nutrition to boot! The racers I show you how to make in this instructable will provide an opportunity to turn almost anything (no kittens or other live things please) into a race car – allowing different sized and weighted objects to illustrate mechanical physics concepts like mass, friction, force, speed, distance, and gravity!

Will the larger, heavier squash win? Or will the lighter and more streamlined carrot cross the finish line first? What a fun way to find out!!