Sharing a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, The Dow Chemical Company and Richard Childress Racing recently unveiled the first of a series of learning modules bringing to life the importance of STEM in motorsport racing.
Designed as a partnership among Dow and RCR employees, as well as educators from North Carolina State University and Mount Airy High School in North Carolina, "The Speed of STEM" puts kids in the driver's seat by using hands-on experiments to make STEM subjects accessible and exciting. The activities, starting with a physics module, with math and chemistry to be published later this year, will be available online for global access. The modules will also be administered in classrooms in Dow communities around the world by employee volunteers known as Dow STEM Ambassadors.
"Learning can be fun, and I think that the curriculum that Dow has put together shows just how fun it can be," said Austin Dillon, an RCR driver in command of the No. 3 Dow STEM Chevrolet. "I depend on my crew chief and engineers for their knowledge every day, so it's cool to think that their passion for science and math was sparked when they were kids."
Eric Warren, RCR director of competition and an aerospace engineer from North Carolina State University, said Dow and RCR share a passion for guiding students into STEM careers. "Physics and the concepts of mass, energy and motion are essential parts of racing. There is no better environment than this to learn about things that move and create energy," he said.
Rob Vallentine, president of The Dow Chemical Company Foundation, said, "We are proud to extend our partnership with RCR from the race track to the classroom to inspire the next generation to embrace STEM subjects and pursue STEM careers."
For more information, visit www.dow.com or call (800) 331-6451.
