Submitted by Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Chair

 The CO2 Dragster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) High School program started in Rotary year 2018-2019. This is a STEM program for CUSD (Chandler Unified School District) high school students and replaced the F1 In School program that was sponsored by SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and supported by the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL).

This year 13 Perry High School student teams competed by using 3D CAD (Computer Assisted Design) to design their Dragsters and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) to build their dragster. The Teams competed at Perry High School on Dec. 11 in a competition sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.  

The competition required each team to present readable renderings/drawings containing views and dimensions of the dragster.  Each team was interviewed by the competition judges.  Each team provided an overview of their team dragster’s design, operations, construction, speeds, build experiences, CAD/CAM and final drawings, research, simulations and finishing techniques. 

The teams were required to follow specific technical regulations in body construction and wheel definition.

 According to Fred DePrez of the RCSL CO2 Dragster Competition Committee, trophies were awarded to fastest car, best in show, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and overall dragster competition winners.

According to RCSL CO2 Dragster Competition Committee member Don Robins, a very knowledgeable group of engineering experts were on hand to do competition interviews and judging. The 15 judges included representatives from Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, Chandler United School District teachers and retired members of the Society of Automotive Engineers and General Motors. 

The RCSL would like to acknowledge Clint Beauer, Perry High School Assistant Principal, for his support in arranging the competition.

Sun Lakes Rotary Club (Chartered April 22, 1986) is a leadership organization made up of men and women from local businesses, professional, education, civic and emerging leaders.  RCSL meets regularly to get to know each other, form friendships, and through that RCSL is able to get things done within the East Valley and far beyond.  Come join us and share our passion for community service and friendship.  See – www.sunlakesrotary.com for more information.

 

Photos by Dr. Honora Norton

 

 
Competitors
 
Judges