Second annual Pinewood Derby challenges engineering, creativity skills

WVU Statler College students, faculty and staff with some participating Boy Scouts took part in a Pinewood Derby Friday at the WVU Engineering Sciences Building.

Held in the Atrium and sponsored by Scouts BSA, this event encouraged participants to be creative in constructing unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from a kit containing a pine block, axles and plastic wheels.

Mountaineer Area Council Pack 64 from Scouts BSA donated the track and software for the Pinewood Derby and were onsite to operate and collect data on participants.

Pinewood Derby races are traditionally held by Boy Scout packs. The first was held in 1953 in California.

Mountaineer Area Council Pack 64, in partnership with WVU Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will host Pinewood Derby & STEM Day at WVU March 16.

Activities start at 11 a.m. and races start at 1 p.m.

Cost: $12 early bird before Feb. 27; $17 after.

In addition to the races, the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is providing a number of activities for families. Every Scout will also have the opportunity to make a wood PRT car with customized Cub Scouting insignia, included in the entrance fee. Additional kits can be purchased in the registration for an additional $5 each.

PRT kits are guaranteed for early bird registrants due to requirements of the vendor.

STEM activities will explore different engineering disciplines such as building for earthquakes, testing parachutes and more.