“What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.” — Werner Heisenberg
This session, the Middle and High School will explore the world of physics mechanics through the lens of CO₂ cars. CO₂ cars turn physics from something abstract into something real. Instead of just solving equations, learners design, test, and race—seeing how mechanics plays out in real time. Along with this theme, we will reference the world of F1 and how the engineering of their cars relates to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
They will explore:
Kinematics (Motion): Speed, acceleration, and time. Motion graphs become visible and meaningful.
Newton’s Laws of Motion: The three laws—cars stay still until a force acts; more force or less mass leads to more acceleration; and for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (gas pushes back → car moves forward).
Forces: Thrust (CO₂), friction (axles/wheels), air resistance, etc.
Work & Energy: Stored energy → motion; some energy is lost to friction.
Momentum: Heavier cars may carry more momentum; lighter cars may accelerate faster. Trade-offs matter.
Rotational Motion: Energy goes into spinning wheels and moving forward; lighter wheels improve performance.
Aerodynamics: Shape affects speed—more streamlined cars reduce drag. Small design changes can make big differences.
They will learn through iteration. The real learning happens in cycles: Design → Test → Analyze → Improve.
Each race and experiment provides feedback, leading to better decisions the next time. CO₂ cars make physics visible. Instead of memorizing concepts, learners experiment, adjust, and discover what works.
High School will have a similar quest to Middle School but will incorporate more advanced math, designs, and constraints. Additionally, High School learners will have the opportunity to earn AP and Honors credit by completing additional challenges on Khan Academy.
Writer’s Workshop
The Middle School will be working on Defining Your Life, an early introduction to part of the High School curriculum, the Next Great Adventure Program. The purpose of this writer’s workshop is to help Eagles envision a version of their future so they understand why their present intentions are so important.
The High School will have three options for Writer’s Workshop:
Option 1 – Graduation Speeches Graduates, along with other speakers for the ceremony, will work on creating, crafting, and delivering their speeches.
Option 2 – College Essays High School juniors will work on their college essays for next fall. They will explore colleges that align with their goals, create resumes and “brag lists,” and prepare for the application process.
Option 3 – First Principles Eagles will learn how to break down complex ideas into simple explanations, helping them better understand concepts and communicate them effectively to others.
