Learning physics, science at the speed of NASCAR (cont'd)

Experts say the country is faced with a challenge right now to regain its position as a world leader in global innovation.

"It is critical for the economy for us to remain a superpower, but I think we've fallen behind," Vickers said. "All the new high-tech inventions and advances are based on math and science so it is important for our future that students are interested."

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Through NASCAR, these videos have major potential to reach a major audience.

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DIANDRA LESLIE-PELECKY

Through the videos -- free and downloadable online (www.science360.gov) -- educators and scientists aim to enhance students' critical thinking, problem solving, and innovative use of knowledge for generations to come.

Aside from cutting-edge inventions, Leslie-Pelecky asks: "How are Americans supposed to make decisions on emerging energy technologies if they don't understand how it works? If we don't keep training people in math and science, we lose and that will have an impact on the economy and way of life."

Interestingly enough, Leslie-Pelecky, a relatively new follower of NASCAR, had no appreciation of the sport until she was able to see it in a new light three years ago. She was channel surfing one afternoon and stumbled upon a race and thought to herself, "Why would anyone want to watch cars go in circles all day?"

Not an original thought by any means, her interest then was piqued when she saw a car bobble, spin out and hit the wall on its own with little explanation.

"I was mystified, so I wanted an explanation; a scientific reason other than the air was taken off his spoiler. Well, my questions led to more questions," she said.

Before she knew it, she was spending most every weekend at a NASCAR track compiling data and questioning crew chiefs about the engineering of the sport. At the end of her adventure, she had enough information and insight for a book and also was funded by the NSF to create The Science of Speed videos.

"Teaching this way appeals to me," Leslie-Pelecky said. "I didn't finish high school, because I never understood why I had to learn the things they were teaching."

Now a college professor and scientist, Leslie-Pelecky perhaps has enough knowledge to be a crew chief, pit a car and consult on engine packages.

"If you would've told me three years ago I would be doing this I would've said you're insane but if you think about how many students teachers reach on an average day it is a small number," she said, "But through NASCAR, these videos have major potential to reach a major audience."