*What is a powder puff derby? Learn about the rules and regulations for a powder puff derby including measurements, weight, materials and construction. What is not allowed and what will get a racer disqualified for racing?
*With an adult, learn about safety procedures for woodworking projects. What safety equipment do you need? What tools are appropriate for you to use and what will you need help with?
*Draw 3 designs that you would like to use to create your derby car. Box designs, wedge designs, with a spoiler or without a spoiler (what is a spoiler)? Think of speed, aerodynamics and functionality when creating your designs.
Talk to others that have participated in a wooden derby. Ask them about their suggestions for designs and materials. Show them your 3 designs and see which one they think would be the best for you to do and why.
*Learn about wooden derby tracks. What are they made of? How are they made? What is the slope degree of the track and why is it so important? How are the cars started at the same time to keep the race fair? How are they stopped? What “advances” have been made in track construction, timing, starting & stopping?
Learn about weights and scales. Use a postal scale that is able to measure in precise ounces. How much does a derby car weight with the wheels? Without the wheels? See how much different items weigh that will help your car reach the ideal weight for racing. Why is that weight so important? Is it better to have the weight evenly distributed, heavier in the back of the car, or heavier in the front of the car? What other factors will contribute to the weight of your car?
Create your Derby Car! With an adult, cut the wood, sand and shape your car. Add paint and designs, maybe even a driver.
Attend a wooden derby car race! See the different designs, shapes, weights, and additions that help the faster cars. Ask the racers what they might do differently the next time they race and if they have any suggestions for your racer.
How have the wooden derby races evolved and changed? What was the first actual Powder Puff Derby and did it have anything to do with wooden derby cars? Who started the wooden derby car race and when was the first? How have the cars and tracks changed over time?
Does your derby race offer other competitions such as Best of Show, Most Creative, Most Unique? Do they offer participation trophies/ribbons beyond the race winner trophies/ribbons? Why do you think this is? Learn about good sportsmanship. Do you know what a poor loser is? What about a poor winner? No matter your position at the end of the race, learn about ways to make every participant feel special and included. Remember that race day is supposed to be fun for everyone!