School groups may choose from either Option A, B, or C
Option A – Pick 3
Students will rotate through 3 interactive STEAM stations (90 minutes)
1. Grip & Slip - Test different racing surfaces to determine how to create the most friction and gain the most traction while racing down a slope, using gravity!
2. Speed & Acceleration - Force vs. Gravity; test your racing skills down 4 different racetrack bankings without wrecking or going too slow!
3. Energy Moves - Learn all about the basics of energy moving while competing to cross the finish line first in our very own mini drag cars on our 2 or 4-lane dragstrip!
4. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Did you know the NASCAR logo revolves around Sound Energy?! Sound plays a big part in all types of racing - learn with your ears; not just your eyes!
5. Crank up the Heat! - After forming a hypothesis, students will experiment with how heat transfers and what effect it has in racing from the tires to the drivers.
6. Safety [S.A.F.E.R. Barrier] - Keep your driver safe! Test your safety skills by building a mini-car with recycled materials, all while keeping your water bubble driver safe when racing down Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 24° of banking!
7. Thrills & Spills - Clean up that mess! Big spills happen on the track all the time; how can we clean up different types of spills quickly and safely to get the race cars back on the track as soon as possible, using sand, dirt, soil, and other materials?
8. Hydration Station - In racing, staying hydrated with the correct balance of electrolytes is key to fueling the perfect amount of energy needed to win the race! Measure and experiment with your hydration knowledge to make the perfect mixture for your racer!
9. Chutes & Ladders - Students will learn about air resistance by using different materials to measure time and distance.
Option B – Pick 1
Students will work in teams to design, build and race their cars in a race showdown! (90 minutes)
1. Gravity Car (best for grades 2-5) - Students design and build a gravity-powered car that can accelerate by itself, down a ramp/hill using only a force.
2. Propeller Car (best for large groups; grades 5-7) - Students will build a battery-powered car frame, with a propeller.
3. Pulley Car (best for groups with <90 students="" grades="" 6-12="" -="" students="" will="" build="" a="" battery-powered="" car="" frame="" with="" a="" pulley="" p="">
4. Slingshot Car (best for grades K-8) - Students will build a car powered by Elastic Energy
5. Drag Car (best for grades 9-12) Students will build a battery-powered dragster.
Option C –
This is a career session and best suited for upper middle and high school students. (90 minutes) *This session cannot be paired with other options*
Students will be placed in one of several categories that match a career that can be found at and around the track. Each category will be tasked with a STEAM challenge. Upon completion of their challenge, students will participate in a final focus session highlighting their accomplishments.
Please indicate the option you choose when you reserve your date.