In the heart of Duncan, Oklahoma, hundreds of junior high and high school students from the Red River Technology School District gathered at the Simmons Center for the 17th annual CO2 Car Races. This captivating event, designed to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, has become a beloved tradition, inspiring young minds to think outside the box and showcase their engineering prowess.

Fueling the Future: Duncan's CO2 Car Races Ignite Student Passion for STEM

Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

The CO2 Car Races are more than just a competition; they are a platform for students to unleash their creativity and explore the world of STEM. Each participant is given a block of wood and tasked with transforming it into a sleek, high-performance race car. This hands-on experience allows students to delve into the design process, honing their problem-solving skills and tapping into their innovative spirit.As Lyle Roggow, the President of the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation and one of the event organizers, explains, "The reason we started this was so we could help our students learn about the STEM-related activities. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Each of the students will get a block of wood, and then they turn it into a race car. It's already pre-cut, but they design it the way they want."

Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

The CO2 Car Races not only challenge individual students but also encourage collaboration and teamwork. As the participants work together to design, build, and race their cars, they learn the value of effective communication, problem-solving, and collective problem-solving. This experience prepares them for the demands of the modern workforce, where teamwork and interdisciplinary skills are increasingly crucial.One student, whose car emerged victorious, shared their excitement, "It was amazing to see all the different designs and strategies our classmates came up with. We had to work together to troubleshoot issues and make sure our car was running at its best. It was a real team effort, and that's what made it so rewarding."

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

The CO2 Car Races not only showcase the talents of the participating students but also serve as a powerful catalyst for inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. By providing a hands-on, engaging learning experience, the event ignites a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among the young participants.Roggow emphasizes the long-term impact of the event, stating, "This competition is a great way for the students to think outside the box and learn STEM skills at the same time. We hope that by exposing them to these activities, we can spark their interest in pursuing STEM-related careers and contribute to the growth and development of our community."

Fostering Community Engagement and Partnerships

The CO2 Car Races are not just an educational event; they also serve as a platform for community engagement and partnerships. The event brings together students, educators, local businesses, and community leaders, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the growth and development of the next generation.Through this event, the Red River Technology School District and the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation have forged strong partnerships with local industries and organizations, creating opportunities for mentorship, internships, and future employment. This synergy between education and the local community is crucial in preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation

While this year's CO2 Car Races may not have been the largest in the event's history, the organizers remain optimistic about its future growth and impact. As Roggow notes, "This wasn't the biggest the event has been, but we hope it will grow in the coming years."The CO2 Car Races have become a cherished tradition in the Duncan community, a testament to the power of STEM education and the unwavering commitment of educators, community leaders, and local businesses to nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.