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Youngsters construct their own 1/13 scale stock Soap Box Derby Mini-Cars. — Photo by Soap Box Derby®

Eighth grade science students in Akron Public Schools (APS) will get firsthand experience in engineering design and testing thanks to a recent grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The $742,356 grant has been awarded to faculty in the College of Engineering and The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ (ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ). It provides funding to partner with the All-American Soap Box Derby® and APS to formally design, integrate and evaluate the impact of curriculum around the Soap Box Derby Mini-Cars that includes the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, virtual and physical wind tunnel testing and 3D printers.

Such an approach maps well onto the Soap Box Derby’s increased focus on STEM education initiatives.

Mini-Cars in action. — Photo by Soap Box Derby®

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“Hands-on, experiential learning is at the core of the polytechnic experience at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, and the earlier it begins the better,” says ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President Scott L. Scarborough. “The opportunity these students and teachers have to bring this kind of coursework into the classroom is incredibly valuable.”

Added value to education

The project, part of the National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program, will develop curriculum that integrates engineering design concepts and skills in the existing 8^th grade science curriculum and provides professional development for teachers implementing the curriculum.

“Partnering with the NSF, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and the Soap Box Derby has given our students a tremendous opportunity, not to mention a competitive edge for the future,"says David James, superintendent of Akron Public Schools. "Because of this, state-of-the-art technology will, in time, grace all of our eighth grade science classrooms and help our talented science education staff to continue to prepare our students for a bright future.” 

Students in participating eighth-grade classes will test 1/13 scale stock Soap Box Derby Mini-Cars and modify the design of these “minis” using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The students will evaluate their modified mini cars using a virtual wind tunnel before manufacturing the cars using 3D printers purchased with grant funding. The final evaluation of the modified cars will be conducted in a desktop wind tunnel, and the eight-week project will culminate in racing competitions on a mini track.

Program could become national model

“This program addresses the need for curricular materials that integrate engineering design concepts in the science curriculum, especially with the introduction of engineering practices in the Next Generation Science Standards,” says Donald P. Visco, principal investigator and associate dean of undergraduate studies in ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ’s College of Engineering.

According to Visco, the material developed can be replicated in middle school settings nationally, especially with the use of the Soap Box Derby Mini-Cars and the use of lower-cost 3D printers for manufacturing.

“Since 1934, millions of kids have competed in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron,” says Joe Mazur, president and CEO of the Soap Box Derby. “And with more than 100 licensed Soap Box Derby organizations in 40 states, the infrastructure is already established to expand the project nationally should the pilot study prove successful.”

APS eighth-grade teachers will have several professional development opportunities linked with senior engineering students at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ to reinforce the engineering design process and technical content associated with the project.

Encouraging interest in STEM careers

One crucial goal of the program is to improve student enthusiasm towards STEM careers.

"This program exposes students to authentic STEM experiences in a technology rich environment, with the goal of increasing their interest in and knowledge about STEM careers,” says Nidaa Makki, associate professor in The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education and a co-principal investigator. “This is essential in middle school where students have limited exposure to these opportunities."

In addition to Visco and Makki, other ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ project team members include Nicholas Garafolo, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and co-PI; Wondimu Ahmed, assistant professor iand co-PI, and Kristin Koskey, associate professor and co-PI, both in Educational Foundations and Leadership.

Media contact: Sarah Steidl, 330-972-8142 or steidl@uakron.edu .