Sag Harbor Union Free School District

Pierson Middle School students build CO2-powered race cars

In an exciting blend of creativity, engineering and competition, eighth graders at Pierson Middle
School completed a hands-on project during their PLANT (Preparing Learners for a New
Tomorrow) class, where they designed and raced small CO2-powered cars. The class is
instructed by Pierson High School and Middle School teacher Michael Piro.
The project began with students diving into the world of aerodynamics, discussing how different
shapes can affect speed and performance. Armed with this knowledge, they set to work
designing their cars. Using tools in the school’s wood shop, they meticulously cut and sanded
their vehicles to shape, ensuring the structure was smooth and ready for racing.
Once the bodies of the cars were crafted, students attached plastic wheels, carved space for a
CO2 cartridge and rigged a space suitable for a fishing line to guide the cars down a racetrack in
the school’s hallway. After the cars were painted and finished, it was time to race.
Following a tournament bracket, the eighth graders lined up to puncture the CO2 cartridges,
sending their cars zooming down the hallway in head-to-head races. The guided fishing line
ensured each car stayed on course, but speed and precision were key to winning the race.
The PLANT program fosters a learning environment where students are encouraged to be open-
minded, caring and reflective. The race car project not only allowed students to apply their
problem-solving skills and work with tools, but also emphasized collaboration, risk-taking and
effective communication – all integral components of the program.