Brief Description

Students learn about stock car racing while developing skills in language and math.

Objectives

Students

• learn the meanings of several acronyms and employ them to remember useful information.
• compare two types of racecars.
• locate useful information on graphs and charts.
• use a mapping Web site to plan a trip from one location to another.
• graph information, using a computer or traditional method.
• design a card giving information about a racecar driver.
• design ads for a racecar based on favorite personal products
• debate the pros and cons of working in a given profession.

Key Concepts

NASCAR, car races, acronyms, graphing, mapping

Materials Needed

• computer(s) with Internet access
• National Hot Rod Association
  Acronym Finder
  NASCAR
  Maps On Us
• drawing, writing, and graph paper
• markers or colored pencils
• index cards or a computer drawing, graphing, or word processing program

Lesson Plan

• Begin by discussing car races and asking students about the types of races they have been to or seen on television. Use a scan converter or an LCD projector connected to the computer to take students on a short tour of the NASCAR and NHRA websites. Point out the Results, Standings, Schedules, and Teams information on the NASCAR site.
• Tell students that NASCAR is an acronym. Tell students to use the Acronym Finder Web site to research the meaning of NASCAR before concluding their projects.
• Depending on the ability of your students and the amount of time available, you can require they complete five of the activities below -- more for extra credit.

  Find several interesting acronyms at the Acronym Finder Web site and use your surname to make up one for your family.

  Write a racecar rap and perform it with a group of friends.

  Design your own racecar on paper. Choose sponsors whose products you find interesting or useful and be prepared to explain your choices. (Hint: See the Index of Sponsors on the home page of the NASCAR site.)

  Check the schedule to find out when the next NASCAR race is as well as the time and date it will be broadcast on radio or television in your time zone.

  Use a mapping Web site to plan a trip from your town to a racetrack of your choice. How long will it take to drive there at 60 mph?

  Construct a graph comparing the length of the NASCAR tracks; then make a chart displaying the records held at five of those tracks.

  Read a biography of one driver and make a NASCAR card from an index card. It should include the player's name and picture, the car number and make, the owner, the crew chief, sponsors, total points, bonus points, laps, and winnings. Make several cards if you have time, and compare the 2000 statistics with friends' cards.

  Write what you think being part of the pit crew is like -- perks and drawbacks.

  Use a Venn diagram or some other graphic organizer to compare stock cars and hot rods. Share it with classmates on the overhead or computer.

  Activity Time

  N/A

  Assessment

  Teacher observes while students work to complete their projects. Evaluate student projects on the quality and accuracy of the completed work. Student interaction and discussion during project sharing should be taken into account as well.

Submitted by VaReane Heese (VaReane Heese), Springfield Elementary School, Springfield, Nebraska