STEM-Based Education Program

The Derby’s STEM-Based Education Program uses the tools and values of Soap Box Derby® racing to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to students in an enjoyable, engaging way. The Education Program is designed to provide K-12 educators and students with project- and standards-based, inter-curricular learning opportunities. The Derby's Education Program includes four exciting opportunities for students and educators and OST providers to become engaged in an activity that's Gravity Powered and STEM Driven!

The Derby’s STEM-Based Education Program uses the tools and values of Soap Box Derby® racing to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to students in an enjoyable, engaging way.

STEM education not only provides young learners with hands-on opportunities to build skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, it also provides the building blocks for practical skills that will help them in many facets of life. These skills include:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Ingenuity
• Creativity
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Resilience
• Leadership
• & many more!

Gravity Racing STEM Team Competition Races

Fun meets STEM education with our Gravity Racing Challenge. The Soap Box Derby’s Gravity Racing Challenge® STEM Team Competition is designed to give teams of students in grades 3-12 the opportunity to assemble and race Soap Box Derby cars! Divisions include Stock - Grades 3-5, Super Stock - Grades 5-8, Super Stock - Grades 9-12, and Engineering Desig Challenge - Grades 9-12. 

• Spring Race: Grades 3-8
• Fall Race: High School & Engineering Design Challenge

Learn more and register

STEM Mini-Car Program

Another great STEM learning opportunity, the Soap Box Derby’s Mini-Car Program provides kids in grades 3-6 with an activity workbook that enables them to learn about derby cars and racing. Then they get to put their knowledge to use to build and race their very own Mini-Car! With six fun activities, our workbook and kit provide about 12 hours of learning! In addition to classroom uses, our Mini-Car Program is a great resource for parents and kids for at-home STEM learning. 

Learn more and purchase.

Soap Box Derby STEM Summer Camps

Give your camper a summer to remember and register now for the Soap Box Derby® STEM Summer Program! Not only do kids ages 8-13 get to have a great time with their peers, they also get to participate in hands-on STEM projects. From building and racing a Soap Box Derby car to being a part of an awards ceremony, this 5-day program is packed full of fun!  

Learn more and register your camper. 

Soap Box Derby Field Trips

• Visit the Soap Box Derby Museum & view Champions’ cars dating from 1934-present
• Tour the Derby’s manufacturing & distribution facility
• Navigate Derby Downs in search of historic sites and markers
• Test drive a Soap Box Derby car down the Derby Track

If you are interested in holding a Field Trip at Derby Downs, please contact Linda Hubbell at linda@soapboxderby.org or 330.733.8723 x12

Soap Box Derby® Education Partners:

Contact Us about Our Education Programs