News & Updates

Marietta City School using STEM Principals of Soap Box Derby Racing to Intrigue and Enhance the Learning Experience of Local Students

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) magnet academy at Marietta Center for Advanced Academics under the direction and leadership of Principal Jennifer Hernandez, Ed.S, and Math teacher Elaine Reisenauer are piloting the “Masters of Gravity” STEM curriculum in their 5th grade class this year. The program is an educational multimedia package designed for 5th and 6th grade students. It consist of classroom instruction followed by practical hands on exercises to teach the areas of STEM so important in gravity racing. At the end of the program the students build a Soap Box Derby car and get to take a trip down the hill, putting the principles they’ve learned into action. Ms. Reisenauer stated, “The kids are really enjoying going through the curriculum and putting what they’ve learned into action. It’s great to see the kids having fun and learning at the same time. I’m hoping to be able to expand the program even more next year.” The program was introduced to the school by the Marietta Kiwanis Club’s Marietta Soap Box Derby program Director.

The Kiwanis Club hosts an official qualifying race in June each year in the parking lot at Marietta High School for the All American Soap Box Derby International organization. The winners in each division of the local race become eligible to race and represent the city and state of Georgia at the All American Soap Box Derby International World Championship race in Akron, OH, where more than 500 kids from all over the world will race for the title of World Champion. Special thanks to MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service and Integrity Extinguishers for their support of the program.

For more information on the “Master of Gravity” program, click here.