STEM Racing

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/stem-racing

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the competition rebrand year?2024
2. What is the world record holder?Infinitude (Australia, 2016)
3. How do students make their cars go super fast?They use a CO2 cartridge for power, choose light materials, and design the shape with CAD and CFD software to reduce air drag and improve speed.
4. Where do STEM Racing races take place?Races happen in more than 40 countries on a 20‑meter track that has a computer timing system, and the World Finals are often held near big Formula 1 races.

CAD/CAM/CAE: Integrated computer software suites for design, manufacturing, and engineering analysis, crucial for optimizing vehicle performance and structure.
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics): Advanced simulation software used to analyze fluid flow (like air) around an object to predict and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
LERS (Launch Energy Recovery System): A controversial device previously used in STEM Racing that was banned globally from the 2017 season due to safety concerns.