Synergize: Together is Better - Nascar Style

 

Created the image with two separate images found on Google.

I had the pleasure of teaching summer school this summer.  I was not at my usual school.  (I wanted to be closer to home for the summer.)

Aside from math and science, scholars also had time for science and SEL lessons.  For science, scholars spent a lot of time learning about NASCAR.  Here are the topics that were covered.

• Why Do NASCAR Drivers Need to React Fast?  (Sight and sound)
• How Does Air in Tires Support a 3,300-Pound Race Car?
• Why is Metal Used to Build Race Cars?
• Why is Rubber Used to Build Race Cars?

For SEL, we were using our Leader In Me curriculum.  The county required the schools to have a SEL showcase during the last week and our grade level presented habit 6: Synergize - Together is Better!

I thought it would be fantastic to weave synergizing into our science lessons!  My idea paid off.

We started the science unit by having the scholars write what they know about NASCAR racing.  As the lessons continued, scholars wrote what they learned.

The scholars worked in groups of 2 or 3 to create their cars!  They each made their own models.  Then they used pieces of everyone's design to make a final design for their group.  Scholars had to make a list of materials they wanted.  Once they had that list, I approved it, and they were good to go!

There was a LOT of learning going on throughout this process. 

There were many test drives.

There was a lot of going back and modifying designs.  

Group 1:

This group broke apart from another group.  They had been part of a group of 5.  There were too many cooks in the kitchen.  Nothing was getting done.  The original group ultimately decided it was best to split into two groups and it was a definitely for the best!  They actually turned their car into a tow truck!

Group 2:

The determination these two had was incredible!  The monster logo was SPOT ON!

Group 3:

This morning when I walked in, the sunlight was hitting the orange tissue paper in just the right spot where it looked like it was on fire!  See the first picture and this video!

Group 4:

These three are the other half of the original group of five.  When the scholars raced their cars, the car from this group came in first place!  They also created scenery - a barn to be exact!  Take a close look at the detail, including the animals!

Group 5:

I love how the scholars made sure their final product looked like their design!

Group 6:

Check out the road they made for their car!

Group 7:

That sunset behind their car!

Group 8:

This was Monster Truck size!

Group 9:

Their road blends in with my tablecloth!

There was a lot of car testing going on throughout!

As the scholars finished, they took turns answering questions about habit 6 and how they used it when working on their cars.

After a lot of hard work, it was time to present everything to the parents!  I (of course) decorated the room.  (Thank you to Ms. L, G, and K for helping me decorate!!!) Here is the YouTube link for the room tour.

A lot of families came.  The scholars not only showed their families the cars, but also the posters we had on the wall.

I took video of the cars to get as many angles as possible.  You can find it here on YouTube.

We all had a wonderful time with this project!

Before I close out this post, I need to give some thank yous!

Ms. L - Thank you for EVERYTHING!  Going along with (and enhancing) my crazy ideas, supplies, decorating, etc...I could not have done this without you!

G and K - my volunteers!  You were so helpful with this project!  The kids went to you for EVERYTHING! (Including all things wheel and paint related) 

To my scholars and their families, and my colleagues - thank you for donating supplies for us to use!

Mrs. H - Thanks for giving me access to more materials! :-)

I'm so glad the scholars had fun - and learned so much in the process!

Until next time!
~Mrs. Lynch~