Education in Racing: How STEM Plays a Role in NASCAR

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

The field of technology education involves the understanding of the human-made world. Education in Racing began in September, 2012 and is a joint effort among Henrico County Public Schools, Richmond International Raceway and the Center for Sports Leadership at VCU to integrate the principals of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math—into unique sporting activities such as NASCAR. This program includes age appropriate, technology-based activities that enhance, not add to, any local, state or national standards. To date, over 1,000 eighth-grade middle-school students and their teachers have had the opportunity to participate in this program. Teachers have been trained to provide instruction using STEM and the role it plays in NASCAR. Students have been able to explore the world of NASCAR and how STEM education is applied through hands-on, real-world problem-solving activities.