In their senior year at CHAD, Mr. Gerstemeier’s physics students have the opportunity to put the physics concepts they are taught into practice through a number of hands-on projects.

The CO2 Car project allows students to design and build a CO2 powered dragster. They apply the design process, and concepts from physics to develop an idea for their own car based on a variety of design goals. From the inception of the idea to race day, students are engaged in brainstorming, collecting data, applying physical models, and generally having a great time. Each year, students’ cars get faster and more creative as students in lower grades get to see what their older peers are doing. The project allows students to make connections and use formulas to address situations that are real and practical.