Building Speed, Understanding Physics: ETL Summer Camp Students Race Into STEM
Introduction
The buzz of excitement filled the College of Education during this year's ETL STEM Summer Camp. Held over two one-week day camp sessions, the program brought young learners to campus for hands-on STEM experiences designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Around tables covered with tiny colorful plastic parts, students worked carefully to assemble their own Tamiya race cars, learning that speed is about much more than simply pushing a button.
"We believe hands-on learning is most powerful when it sparks curiosity and creativity, like with our Tamiya car racing challenge. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong interest in STEM, encouraging young scientists and innovators to ask questions, test ideas, solve problems, and continue learning long after the camp ends,” said Manoj Pant, IT Systems Administrator with the College of Education.
As participants built, tested and modified their miniature vehicles, they were introduced to key concepts in physics, including friction, gravity, acceleration, aerodynamics and energy transfer. Each adjustment, whether changing wheel alignment or reducing weight, became an opportunity to test a scientific hypothesis and observe the results firsthand.
The activity connected classroom science to a popular international hobby. Tamiya racing competitions have attracted generations of enthusiasts across Asia, particularly in Japan, where miniature race car tournaments draw large crowds and inspire young people to explore engineering and design. By bringing the activity to campus, ETL instructors gave campers a chance to experience a global STEM phenomenon while developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
“I like how we learn something new every day,” said ten-year old Alice, one of the summer camp participants. “I learned about what makes the car start and stop, and how little things can change how the car moves.”
The race car project was one of many hands-on learning experiences offered through the ETL Summer Camp, which introduces youth to technology, engineering, computer science and scientific exploration through project-based learning experiences that make complex concepts accessible and fun.
At the end of the day, students lined up their completed cars for the final competition. Some cars sped across the track, while others required last-minute adjustments. Regardless of the outcome, every participant crossed a different finish line: gaining a deeper understanding of physics through creativity, experimentation and teamwork.
As the final races concluded, campers left with more than just a Tamiya car. They departed with new skills, newfound confidence and a greater appreciation for how science and engineering help power the world around them.