STEAM challenge brings racing to life
- Christy Decker
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Third graders at Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury took part in an exciting hands-on STEAM challenge this week, led by race car drivers and pit crew members.
This unique event combines science, technology, engineering, art, and math to give students a real-world learning experience inspired by the world of racing.
In the morning, student teams gathered in the PCE gym to begin building “muscle karts” with the help of volunteers from the Fairbury Speedway. Each team received a basic chassis, which serves as the foundation of their kart. From there, students worked collaboratively to design and construct a shell for their racecar.
Race car drivers and pit crew members guided students through the building process, sharing their expertise and helping teams think about important design elements such as aerodynamics, stability, and speed. This hands-on support allowed students to see how classroom concepts connect to real-life careers and applications.
The karts used in this challenge have a special history. The school acquired three karts from Illinois State University, and in 2022, students from PC High School built an additional ten karts, making this event a true community collaboration.
Third Grade Staff members include: Tricia Creek, Christy Decker, Kelly Frambes, Isabella Guo, Allison Kaisner, Lacey Nelson, Jess Niemann, Twyla Meiss, Missi Scherr and Susan Fehr.
Substitute Teachers: Cindy Ifft and Sandy Ropp.
Illinois State University Students: David Gleason, Arianna Rivera, Madi Frakes, Jenica Francis and Samantha Neff.
Adults helping out included: Gunner Sullivan, Matt Curl, Molly Macklin, Mike Norris, Austin Friedman, Tyler Roth, Chuck Bull, Macy Vaughan, Russell Snearly, Terry Kalkwarf, Jared Cagley, Ray Popejoy, Wes Ricketts, John Strong and Wes Steidinger.
PC High School representatives: Tyson Stork – teacher, Ty Harms, Asher Popejoy, Mason Osborn, Chase Simpkins, Bryson Gadberry, Landon Cottrell, Lainie Welborn, Wade Fehr and Noah Niemann.
