In the CO2 Dragster project at Polk County Middle School, eighth grade students must research, design and build a CO2 powered dragster.

Their design must take into account the forces that want to slow their dragster down including aerodynamics (lift, thrust, gravity and drag), physics (the study of matter in motion); and tribology (the study of friction).

The unit culminates in a race day in which students drag race each other to determine whose car is fastest.

At the end of the school year a school-wide race will occur to determine the fastest car of the year.

The STEM class is partially funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers After School Program.

– article submitted by Bob Pettis