Formula STEM is an all-expenses paid trip to the race track for a high school classroom of young adults, including classroom time and a 1:1 “hot lap” with an experienced driver.
Formula STEM partners with a highly experienced local racing organization which provides the majority of the logistics for the day of, including track rental, insurance and necessary safety personnel.
Sample Schedule
7:00AM School bus pickup
9:00AM Arrive at the race track, meet and greet, small snacks provided.
9:30AM Introduction & Classroom part 1
10:30AM 15-minute break
10:45AM Classroom part 2
11:45AM Break before hot laps!
12:00PM Hot laps!
1:00PM Hot laps complete, debrief with instructors / drivers, catered lunch provided
2:00PM Back on the bus!
4:00PM Dropoff back at school.
SAMPLE SYLLABUS
Classroom part 1 — Automotive Background & Energy
Law of Conservation of Energy
Automotive Fundamentals — Chemical Energy, Kinetic Energy, Thermal Energy
Conversion of energy from gasoline to kinetic energy
Basics of the four-stroke cycle, how/why cars have intakes and exhausts
Explain why “exhaust mods” can be more useful than just for noise
Conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy via brakes
Discussion of maximum braking capacity, not just as amount of force that can be applied, but also heat dissipation & aerodynamic cooling
Classroom part 2 — Racing Practicals
Fundamentals of the “friction circle”
Fundamentals of the “racing line”
Technology Applied at the Track: GPS, Timers, Sensors, Telemetry
This is a sample syllabus. Contact us if you have a classroom with specific syllabus requirements and we’ll be delighted to cater an event to your needs.
REQUIREMENTS
Students must be within greater Los Angeles Area
Students must be a part of a regular educational program with an adult coordinator such as a high school class or an after-school program (e.g. the Boy/Girl Scouts)
Students must be 16 years of age
All Students must have a waiver signed by a parent / legal guardian
Students must be considered to be in generally good physical health and fit to sit passenger in a race car and experience simulated racing conditions, and must sign and have parents sign paperwork acknowledging as such.
If you’d like to have your class/student group participate please get in touch!