In the name of all things fun, engaging and CTE-related, our amazing Career & Technology Automotive teachers, Mr. Johnson (pictured above with 2nd place winner), Mr. Dietzel, and Mr. McKlenney, forged ahead to create an awesome end-of-year project. The Automotive Pine Box Derby Race was the highlight of the day as students used their custom designed cars on a professional derby track at the CTC. Each race had a digital readout to show 1st-4th places in each heat. The final winners competed to find a 1st and 2nd place winner.
Benefits of a Pine Box Derby Car Race in Career and Technical Education
Hands-On Learning: Students get to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting by designing, building, and racing their own cars.
Problem-Solving Skills: Students learn to troubleshoot issues, make modifications, and improve their cars' performance through trial and error.
Teamwork: Collaborating with peers on designing and building the cars fosters teamwork and communication skills.
Creativity: Students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity in designing the appearance and functionality of their cars.
Critical Thinking: Analyzing data, making decisions on car design, and strategizing for the race all enhance critical thinking skills.
Career Exploration: The project exposes students to various aspects of engineering, design, and mechanics, sparking interest in related careers.
Competition: Healthy competition promotes motivation, sportsmanship, and the drive to excel.
Networking: Students may have the chance to interact with professionals in related fields, expanding their network and potential opportunities.