Denmark Race Car!
The newest class at Denmark High has kicked off its first year with a bang. The class is sponsored by Mike Borlee who works with the Green Bay Automobile Gallery. He has provided a completed car for a visual template and some starting money for the project.
The Race Car activity is done by other school districts, and usually done as an extracurricular activity. However, the instructors have taken a slightly different approach. The creation of the car was taken as a full on semester class. Taught by both Tim Kapinos and Kory Fredrickson, we as a school are confident it will turn out great!
Each teacher is in charge of one of the two terms the project will take place in. Mr. Kapinos is teaching the first half of the class where they are focusing on the 3D design aspect of the car. Mr. Fredrickson is in charge of the total fabrication and assembly if the car. As this class is focused on one big project, there is not curriculum the teachers have to follow. It is about getting the car done and doing it with a deadline. It causes kids to take the initiative and solve problems that need solving. This type of class thrusts a bit of real life problem solving into students education. And they are excited!
The class is also focused on the soft skills of working in groups and with other people. The two main leaders among the students are Ben Klaubauf and Madison Gorczany-Whipp. Each student has taken charge of different key areas. Ben oversees the creation and resource management, while Madison takes on the roll of ensuring workplace safety and overall student efficiency.
The goal for this project is to be able to race in the Road America Race. The race is a time trial against other schools and their cars. It is scheduled to take place in May of 2020. In order to complete this goal, the class needs to finish the car in mid-January, a due date they project to be achievable. Along with racing, Kapinos and Fredrickson hope to use this year's car as an example model for next year's class.
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