Western Peaks Elementary School
Science Teacher Helps
7th Grade Students Incorporate
'A World in Motion'

SURPRISE - Dec. 12, 2007 - Utilizing an innovative educational program developed by General Motors and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Western Peaks Elementary School 7th Grade science teacher Angela Kirschner is helping her students incorporate "A World in Motion" in their classroom.

Kirschner's creative use of the "A World in Motion" program has been commended - she received a 2007 Gary Dickinson Award for Teaching Excellence. The $2,000 cash prize is being shared between Kirschner and the school.

For seven weeks, more than 100 of Kirschner's students worked with retired automotive engineers, Luke Air Force Base personnel and community volunteers to design and build motorized toys. SAE International provided supplies such as wheels, gears and chassis for the students to help them develop their 'Dream Rides!'

The students were charged with making their creations appealing to a target audience of children aged 6 to 10. After surveying a group of children to determine what the ideal motorized toy would incorporate, the students went to work on their designs. The students' creations ranged from a Ford Shelby Mustang made out of Popsicle sticks to a Sponge Bob Square Pants - inspired Krabby Patty. Each motorized toy was designed to climb a 30-degree ramp and tested to see how fast it could travel three meters.

Kirschner said the 'A World in Motion' program provided an ideal opportunity to illustrate how science and technology are utilized in the real world.

"Students learn science, technology and math, and how important these subjects are in the 'real world.,''' Kirschner explained. "So often. (students are) learning in school, but they don't make that connection."

Giancarlo Alvarez was one student impacted by the program. He was involved with building a red monster truck. Alvarez said his favorite experience was ".working with my friends and being able to build a car. I thought we would never be able to do it."

Don Robins, a retired engineer from General Motors and a volunteer in the program, said the program did a great job of meeting its objective.

"We got a lot of kids excited about science and engineering.," said Robins. "There's a big shortage of engineers in the US , and we really need to encourage young people to consider careers in engineering."

The program will resume this January.