Ava Singer, a 5th grader last year at TSES (now in 6th grade at EHMS), remembers the big RC Race and Engineering League Competition at the end of last school year.
“It was really fun, there were so many people! Our car didn't turn very well so we would drive it next to another car and they would hit it, and that would help it turn around the track. It was actually fun to watch us fail! We somehow advanced and ended up getting 3rd place, the whole day was really exciting.”
Hands-on, real-world learning has been revving up the young minds of Park City’s elementary school students. If you were near Trailside Elementary School (TSES) on a sunny spring day last year, you might have heard the roar of cheering crowds and seen clouds of dust kicked up by spinning cars. You’d have witnessed the exciting finale of the RC Race and Engineering League, where students raced radio-controlled cars in a high-energy and slightly chaotic competition, all aiming to cross the finish line first.
“The event didn’t just draw students – it brought parents, teachers, and the entire community together like a football game,” said Sam Thompson, RC Race and Engineering League founder and educator. One elementary school parent echoed the excitement, saying, “This is the best use of PCEF funds I have ever witnessed, hands down.”
What’s all the hype about? Simply put, the RC Race and Engineering League provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in designing, building, and racing radio-controlled cars…and its popularity has skyrocketed. More than 95 students participated in the program across three elementary schools last year – TSES, Jeremy Ranch (JRES) and McPolin (MPES). Parley’s Park will be added for the 2024-25 school year, completing the expansion to all four Park City elementary schools. Students are grouped into teams, where they have to collaborate to assemble and fine-tune their cars, often troubleshooting mechanical issues along the way.
“It’s more than just racing – it’s about learning how to work together, problem-solve, and push through challenges,” Thompson explained.
The RC Race and Engineering League began as part of an after-school initiative at Treasure Mountain Junior High, where Thompson was inspired to create a healthy and safe space for students to engage in activities after school. From the start, PCEF has supported the program, and innovative, educator-driven ideas like this one. “Kids are so scheduled, and it was nice to have this place where they could come and do something they wanted to do – and learn how to promote soft skills,” Thompson said. “Students would bring their own cars, share them, and work together to fix any issues.” PCEF has been there every step of the way, providing support and ensuring students have the tools and opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration. As the program evolved after several years, Thompson moved it to TSES, focusing on fourth and fifth graders before settling on fifth graders as the best fit and where the program found its sweet spot.
“Kids can’t wait to get to 5th grade to do the RC program,” said Melissa Bott, PACE Educator and RC Race and Engineering League co-teacher at TSES. “The best part is seeing the teamwork that develops. Kids who may not excel in traditional classrooms get a chance to shine.”
Thompson recalled one student this year who struggled with the traditional academic path but wanted to be a mechanic. "The RC League gave him an outlet to showcase his talents, where typical academics aren’t his strong suit. He’s incredibly intelligent when it comes to working with his hands, and this program kept him engaged in school because he sees it as something he can do in the future," he said. The program offers an alternative for kids who don’t fit the typical academic mold of the public school system.
Thompson also shared his excitement about the increasing diversity in the program, particularly the involvement of female students. "I love that we’ve had some female students – they wanted to have their own team, not be with the boys, and they did really well," he said. "It's great to see those barriers breaking down. Engineering and tech fields need more women to represent the population. Any field benefits from greater representation and diversity."
Looking ahead, Thompson envisions continuing to make RC Race and Engineering League popular with what kids want to do. He said, “The sky’s the limit. There’s not currently a coding component, but tying a computer science learning standard piece to it is a possibility, and maybe even adding something with drones.”
The program is open to all elementary school students, but will be capped because of turnout. Parents should look for information from their student’s school this fall. The program starts after winter break and runs through May. As part of the application process, students must really want to be a part of it and be able to commit to the after school schedule as attendance is a big component of the program.
Notably, student Ava Singer said, “Mr. Thompson is rad!” Park City is lucky to have the best educators anywhere, who make learning so fun.
PCEF is proud to fund RC Race and Engineering League as part of Real World Learning, one of PCEF’s 8 Signature initiatives, thanks to generous donors ensuring Park City’s legacy endures. PCEF supports more than 100 programs within Park City classrooms with a mission to inspire all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential.
Help PCEF to continue to Build the Foundation for every student to succeed by donating $360, or $2 per school day, or by joining Scholar Circle during our annual Parent Appeal running now through October 4th, 2024.
