Lucerne Valley Virtual Academy students learn STEM lessons during pinewood derby event

Lucerne Valley Virtual Academy students participated in a spirited pinewood derby event, which has become an end-of-school-year tradition, organizers said.

During the STEM lessons, about 20 Kindergarten through sixth grade students had the opportunity to construct small wooden cars followed by head-to-head competitions on a small racetrack.

Joining in on the fun were teachers and family members, according to the Lucerne Valley Unified School District.

The pinewood derby event was held on May 8 at the Virtual Academy’s classrooms, which are located next to the district offices in Lucerne Valley.

According to teacher Mary Eller, students learn through derby preparation and racing. They learn a work ethic and time management as they must maintain their regular coursework requirements while preparing a car for the race.

She explained that the derby kits students received included blocks of wood, so they must plan a design and implement it when making their cars.

There are specific criteria for each car to be eligible to race such as weight, length, height, and clearance requirements. If they fail to fall within the requirements, students may still race but not earn awards, Eller said.

There is science behind making a winning car, according to Eller, who said students learn about storing energy, called “potential energy,” and the difference between kinetic and rotational energy.

“They also learn about friction, which reduces kinetic energy. Many variables have an effect on the speed — or lack of — of each car,” Eller said. “Those variables include the location of the center of mass, the weight of the wheels, design aerodynamics, polished axles and several other factors.”

While the students were competing, Virtual Academy teachers Cindy Lazen and Eller and others donned colorful, flamboyant Kentucky Derby-type hats. Attendees gave tickets to the person wearing their favorite head ware.

Following the wooden car competitions, the teachers announced the winners of the hat competition. Student Annabell Housler and her mother, Ami Housler, won in a tie.

Meaghan Jennison and Marina Savchenkom who served as judges, graded the entries on originality, workmanship and technique.

The winners included:

Best in Show - Hunter Critchlow

K-3rd - Speed

• 1st - June Critchlow
• 2nd - Elijah Hicks
• 3rd - Hunter Critchlow

K-3rd - Originality

• 1st - Raelynn Wallen
• 2nd - Hunter Critchlow
• 3rd - Tommy Davis

K-3rd - Workmanship

• 1st - Realynn Wallen
• 2nd - Hunter Critchlow
• 3rd - Tommy Davis

4th -12th - Speed

• 1st - Daimein Kesteloot
• 2nd - Jase Nichols
• 3rd - Isaiah Garcia

4th -12th - Originality

• 1st - Isaiah Garcia
• 2nd - Theresa Kintigos
• 3rd - Allan Housler

4th -12th Workmanship

• 1st - Daimein Kesteloot
• 2nd - Garret Kintigos
• 3rd - Jase Nichols

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz