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Cast of The York School Play, Matilda
The Pinewood Derby showcases students’ creativity and STEAM skills
On December 8, Grade 7 students at The York School showcased their creativity and STEAM skills during the adrenaline-fueled Pinewood Derby. The annual event, developed by York School faculty 15 years ago, challenges students in the IB Middle Years Program Design course to design, build and race cars that are propelled by gravity alone.
In the early years of the competition, every car was made of wood. Today some students use the school’s 3D printers to manufacture plastic bodies for their cars. Digital design tools like Adobe Express, Thingiverse, Vizcom and Tinkercad help the students move innovative concepts from their imaginations to the racetrack.
Otino Corsano, one of the Grade 7 Design teachers, says being able to use generative AI during the research phase of the project has been a game changer for students. “Rather than having to base their car on an existing visual image or a prototype from previous Pinewood Derbies, students can use creative text prompts to describe the car they want to create – and AI will give them different design options to consider. We’ve found that the cars have really transformed in the last two years because some of them are completely derived from the students’ imaginations,” he says.
The Pinewood Derby gives students an opportunity to develop skills related to science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and collaboration. “It combines a lot of really important learning areas into one really fun project,” says Mr. Corsano.
Otino Corsano, one of the Grade 7 Design teachers, says being able to use generative AI during the research phase of the project has been a game changer for students. “Rather than having to base their car on an existing visual image or a prototype from previous Pinewood Derbies, students can use creative text prompts to describe the car they want to create – and AI will give them different design options to consider. We’ve found that the cars have really transformed in the last two years because some of them are completely derived from the students’ imaginations,” he says.
The Pinewood Derby gives students an opportunity to develop skills related to science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and collaboration. “It combines a lot of really important learning areas into one really fun project,” says Mr. Corsano.
On race day, an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, staff and parents cheered as the unique vehicles sped down an aluminum track in the athletic centre. The event was live-streamed for family members who weren’t able to attend in person.
While every student was a winner for participating in the competition, prizes were awarded for Best Design, People’s Choice, Fastest Car and the top winner in each of the four Grade 7 classes.
While every student was a winner for participating in the competition, prizes were awarded for Best Design, People’s Choice, Fastest Car and the top winner in each of the four Grade 7 classes.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Pinewood Derby!
