Curriculum Modules 1-4The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) entered new territory recently with the launch of a curriculum as part of its STEM-based education program. The curriculum is directed at children in grades fifth through eighth and features five modules that contain activities that engage learners with project based lessons, team building, inquiry based learning, creative problem solving and FUN!
“We’re extremely excited and proud of the new curriculum,” said Derby President & CEO Joe Mazur. “The Derby has come a long way over the last several years and this is another piece of the puzzle that adds to the continuing growth of the Derby’s education program.”The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) entered new territory recently with the launch of a curriculum as part of its STEM-based education program. The curriculum is directed at children in grades fifth through eighth and features five modules that contain activities that engage learners with project based lessons, team building, inquiry based learning, creative problem solving and FUN!
The curriculum idea came from educators who were already involved with the Derby’s Gravity Racing Challenge STEM Team Competition and Mini Car program. Teachers indicated that Soap Box Derby was a great hands-on learning tool for their students and they wanted more.
Before the task of developing and writing the curriculum started money needed to be raised. Mazur and his team approached groups and companies in the Akron area to lend their financial support to the Derby’s education initiative.
“We met with a number of foundations, organizations, government agencies and individuals in the area seeking financial support for the curriculum,” said Mazur. “We were excited when we found out that people were as excited as we were about how important this project was for the Derby.”
The Derby would like to say the THANK YOU to the GAR Foundation, County of Summit Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Cohen Community Foundation, Lehner Family Foundation, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, George Stevens Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, R.C. Musson & Katherine M. Musson Charitable Foundation and Akrochem Corporation for providing funding for the STEM-based curriculum and helping us continue our mission of building knowledge and character, and creating meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition.
This is the 11th installment of our weekly “Thank You Thursday” feature. Each week we will offer a heartfelt “Thank You” to a corporation, civic or community leader, volunteer, foundation or an individual who has helped us continue our mission. To view previous features please click below.