Blog Posts

The future is Fusion: Your next-gen dragster blank

Posted by Corinne Pachl on February 09, 2022

Updated 6/18/24

The world of education has evolved significantly over the years, yet Pitsco’s CO2 dragsters have remained a constant since the 1970s. Since its beginning, Pitsco’s dragster assortment has always offered two types of wooden blanks: balsa and basswood.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, Competitions, STEM, TSA, Dragsters, Activities, Drafting

Youth racing program creates new career opportunities for underprivileged communities

Posted by Admin on November 11, 2021

Updated 6/11/24

Since its founding in 1998, the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) in Philadelphia has earned a fair amount of publicity for the spectacular opportunities it offers to inner-city students. Sneak a peek during the school’s Build A Dream summer program, and you’re likely to see students learning about engines, designing cars, and racing go-karts as part of a simulated racing team.

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Topics: Middle School, High School, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Competitions, Science, STEM, Dragsters, Engineering, Careers, Authentic Learning, Activities, Future Ready, 21st Century Skills, Maker Ed, Hands-on Learning, STEAM, Workforce Development, Art

Ready, Set, STEM! The science of dragsters

Posted by Admin on June 22, 2021

Updated 6/4/24

We’re heading down the fast lane and talking about CO2 dragsters. Dragsters are a favorite here at Pitsco, not only because they were one of our early products, but also because they are engaging and exciting for students of all ages! Zoom into the science of speed and see what it takes to get to the finish line!

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Teacher Resources, STEM, Resources, Dragsters, Activities, Drafting, Hands-on Learning

CO2 dragster competition puts employability skills at the finish line

Posted by Admin on October 05, 2018

Updated 6/17/24

Think back to middle and high school. Were you a part of a club or two? Or maybe you were involved in basically everything that was offered? Have you ever reflected back to the time you spent in those organizations and the impact that experience had on your education and future? Maybe it was insignificant or incidental. But, maybe, the experience was pivotal to the person you became or to a career interest decision you made.

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Topics: Middle School, High School, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Competitions, Collaborations, STEM, TSA, Dragsters, Future Ready, 21st Century Skills, Maker Ed, Hands-on Learning

Toolbox Racer: Measured for success

Posted by Preston Frazier on July 14, 2018

Updated 5/14/24

It seems like every day is a holiday these days, but we’re not complaining. Let’s take a look at a day that really measures up that contributes to a fun STEM activity students can assemble then race in classrooms, after-school programs, camps, and more.

A Little Tape Measure History

On July 14, 1868, Albert J. Fellows of Connecticut revolutionized an item we keep in our toolbox with his patent for a spring-click tape measure. While not the first to invent the spring-click design, his patent had significant improvements compared to previous designs and is similar to our modern version.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, Competitions, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, STEM, Dragsters, Activities, Hands-on Learning