This spring, Freeport's eighth-grade Technology classes started using design software called Whitebox Learning. The software allows students to create virtual CO2 dragsters by drawing their designs and virtually racing their dragsters.
The drawing segment of the software is a CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) type of program. After creating their design with the software, students printed them and transferred them to wood to create a model which they raced during class. Many cars, propelled by a CO2 cartridge, traveled the 20 meter track in slightly over one second, a much better time than has been previously achieved.
The winners of the school competition were invited to the Long Island Championship, called the Metric 500, which is run by the Nassau Technology Educator's Association at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The Cradle has always been supportive of Technology Education as well as being a Partner in Education with Freeport Schools. Twenty two Freeport Technology students and their teachers, Mr. James Wandzilak and Mr. Garr Litz went to the museum to race. From a field of one hundred and fifty students, Freeport's Jose Garcia-Alvarez placed second with a time of 1.068 seconds. William Pagan took fourth place with a time of 1.069. This is the first time Freeport has placed in this race. In the past Freeport's dragsters did not reach such incredible speeds. All involved felt it was due to using the software to aid in creating and testing their designs.
Teacher Jim Wandzilak first saw the Whitebox Learning software at a Technology Education Conference and decided to try it on student CO2 dragsters and the District agreed to purchase the software. Freeport students will continue to benefit from this software in the future; as it helps the Technology students meet both the New York State Technology Standards and the Common Core Curriculum.