August 31, 2023

EAGLE TRACK RACEWAY LAUNCHES STEM PROGRAM

Submitted by Eagle Track Promotions

REPUBLIC, WA. — Students in Republic and Tonasket, like many other schools, have the opportunity to be immersed in the many disciplines of STEM — the acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

But it’s likely not many have the “classroom” these youngsters do?

Through a cooperative venture with Eagle Track Raceway, the stock car racing track in Republic, and Hewes Marine in Colville, the aim of the program is to teach STEM concepts to community youth through the lens of motorsports.

“STEM-based education teaches more than science and mathematics,” Eagle Track promoter Jason Pestka said in a news release. “We focus our efforts on hands-on learning with real-world philosophy. We teach a wide variety of skill sets and 21st-century skills, including social skills, technology literacy, productivity, media, communication, initiative and flexibility.

One of the key focus points centers on the art of problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, curiosity and decision making. “Regardless of an eventual career path, these skills prepare young people to be innovators,” Pestka said.

“Adversity is inevitable, so we coach how to cope and overcome any situation,” Pestka said. “We also aim to allow children to explore and experience during all of our projects.”

With motorsports being the base the Republic program utilizes many disciplines. After an introduction the program then offer problems that range from physics to geometry, media relations and public speaking.

“Motorsports of any type require a wide range of skills,’ Pestka explained. “We also work to give hands-on experience for all of our projects,” he added.

Working on projects from inception through to completion not only offers real-world answers, but also the gratification of seeing a project through.

“We set a high standard of requiring follow through,” Pestka said. “This sets the standard that will be followed for a lifetime.”

“A special thanks to Hewes Marine Colville for sponsoring the program,” Pestka said.

The program kicked off this past spring and will continue with a visit to Republic Junior High in September with when students will learn lessons with a modified race car. 

The group at Tonasket Elemntary school who took part in a STEM lesson that revolved around motorsport.