By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • reporter@psci.net
Rockport Elementary hosted its first Pinewood Derby Wednesday afternoon (April 17), pitting aspiring Cub Scouts in a series of friendly races in the school gym. The event is part of an ongoing effort to organize a Cub Scout Pack locally, available to both boys and girls from kindergarten to fifth grade. The event was also supported by the Spencer County Community Foundation.
The Pinewood Derby has been a staple of Cub Scout activities since its inception in 1953. With a simple block of pinewood, plastic wheels, a few bits of metal, some sandpaper, and a hammer kids can craft a gravity-driven car for a friendly competition.
Despite the simple construction, vehicles vary a great deal based on the design choices of their young creators. Their unique paint jobs also help them stand out on the track.
The event helps showcase how even a minor difference between two cars can significantly alter air resistance and friction. A car can be too light to build momentum down the track, too heavy to carry that momentum to the finish line, etc. Hitting that sweet spot made the difference in a quick tournament showcasing students’ creations.
Featured Image: Two derby cars come flying down past the finish line during the Pinewood Derby at Rockport Elementary
Nothin’ but Speed: Multiple races went on during the derby, some with some photo finishes
The Derby was full of racers who each built their own unique Pinewood car that competed for gold
A group shot off all of the racers proudly showing off their cars and the hardware they won
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