Kiski Area Upper Elementary students examine real race cars to study the physics of racing
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Some sixth graders from Kiski Area Upper Elementary were revved up for science class this week.
Students participated in a new, hands-on, outdoor physics-based science class Thursday.
They got a chance to check out some real race cars in a segment called “The Science of Racing,” which focused on engineering and physics concepts such as speed, velocity, acceleration, drag, gravity, down-force and friction.
Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander’s race-car driver father, Brian Swartzlander, 61, loaned his red big-block modified race car to the school for the class.
Principal Swartzlander said there’s a big local racing presence in the Alle-Kiski area, particularly thanks to Lernerville Speedway in Buffalo Township.
“It makes for a natural science project,” he said.
The special science props were organized by Upper Elementary science teachers Jeff Hill, Nicole Strumsky and Candice Roberts.
“We wanted to bring a real-life example of what we’re teaching in science class: Forces in motion,” Hill said.
Swartzlander said he encourages his teaching staff to provide creative classes on campus.
“Anytime you can get a student exciting about learning, it’s a win,” Swartzlander said. “I see our students at the races frequently, and they always ask me about it in the hallways at school. It’s cool to see them make academic connections with a sport that many love.”
The other car was provided by KAUE student racer Nathan Shook, 12, who volunteered to bring his 270 micro-sprint car called “Showtime” to school for the class.
Shook has his race car’s named shaved onto one side of his head. He fielded questions from classmates and said the new class was a success.
“We get to be outside, walk around and enjoy the cars instead of being in a classroom on computers,” Shook said.
Shook began racing three years ago and competes at Blanket Hill in Kittanning Township.
Kiski Upper Elementary has another young racer, sixth grader Macey Adamik.
Both students assisted the teachers during the lesson.
Every science class in sixth grade participated in a 30-minute lesson.
Students were encouraged to ask questions about the two race cars, sit behind the wheel and snap pictures.
The vehicles were not operating during the class.
Hill said he hopes to make the race car lesson an annual curriculum staple.
“With science, you have to have creativity and hands-on activities in order for students to understand some of these concepts — some they have possibly never heard of before,” Hill said.