The science of speed
NASCAR’S Acceleration Nation program helps students learn math, science as part of Eastbound-telegram sponsored initiative
Students at Juniper Ridge Intermediate School in Torbay got a chance to look over an Eastbound International Raceway Sportsman series car, driven by Brandon Mcfarlane, outside their school on Wednesday.
And all you thought they did was turn left.
People who question why people watch NASCAR events on television or even locally at Eastbound International Raceway in Avondale likely had no idea how the sport of auto racing could affect not only them, but their children.
That is why the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) developed its Acceleration Nation program to help children learn about science and technology through innovative programs using math and physics.
Many would say doing schoolwork is no fun. This program is aimed at changing that mindset, as a principle at the heart of NASCAR Acceleration Nation sees educational information paired with the fun of NASCAR to challenge children to think, learn and have fun all at the same time.
The program was introduced to Grade 5 and 6 students at Juniper Ridge Intermediate School in Torbay on Wednesday. Participating in the program were representatives from Eastbound International Raceway and The Telegram’s Newspapers In Education initiative.
Eastbound’s Mike James, a former racer and naval engineer by trade, introduced the program to students by showcasing how the strategies of sport all apply back to school subjects they will learn over the next few years.
“There is math and science applied to set up the cars,” James said.
“It helps with strategy as
applies to temperature, weather and other factors,” he added.
He spoke to the students about the 3 Ds of speed outlined by NASCAR: drag, down force and drafting.
“These all deal with how air flows over, under and around your race car,” he said.
Launched in February 2015, the program features games and activities based on the sport of auto racing. Included in this program are activity pillars: Think, Move, Build and Team Up.
Students can test their NASCAR engine knowledge in an “Under the Hood” component, answer math questions with “Flash Cars” and even see which famous driver they may resemble. They can also play the “Raceflex” racing game and sign up to earn points and badges for completing online activities.
Getting that message across was a bit easier for James as he was joined by one of the students’ peers for his presentation.
Nicholas Codner, 11, is a student at Juniper Ridge school and an Eastbound award-winning racer in the Bandolero series.
Nicholas is racing for a championship in his division on Sunday and currently sits fourth in points, five back of his next competitor in third. In his sophomore season, Nicholas has his sights set on winning Sunday’s race and letting the cards fall where they may for his championship hopes.
He placed third last season and was selected as the Bandolero Series rookie of the year.
Codner’s car, the Eastbound Speedway pace car and a Sportsman series car driven by Brandon Mcfarlane were on display for the students to get an up-close look at.
They will get a similar view from the grandstand on Sunday courtesy of Eastbound, which donated race tickets to the students. In addition, the students were presented with Acceleration Nation backpacks, a program book for the education program, and several stickers from the track courtesy of the NIE program at The Telegram.