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Event Info

Two teams will build their own go-karts to race against each other.

Event Start Date: Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021 | 6:30 pm

Overview

When choosing team sports and extracurricular activities this semester, you probably haven't considered go-kart building. But if you're someone who may one day drive an automobile and enjoys a little friendly competition, perhaps you should.

This is a project for 8 high school students to build 2 off-road go-karts. Start from a set of plans and a pile of metal, end racing your friends along dirt trails throughout central Virginia. There's no better way to learn about how cars work than to build one yourself.

Here's how it works. Eight students will be randomly divided into two teams, each led by their own instructor. Each team will come up with a plan, choosing their design and features (two wheel drive, suspension, engine type, transmission, etc.), all within the constraints of their $1200 budget, and spend eight weeks bringing their kart to life. Once built, students will travel throughout central Virginia racing each other on dirt trails and spending class time making necessary repairs.

Curriculum

Students will learn to safety and effectively use a variety of tools including metal cutting saws, drills, grinders, welders, and more as they work through the following major content areas:

reading and interpretting detailed plans
metal cutting, grinding, drilling, and bending
welding and general fabrication
suspension and traction
drivetrain
4-stroke engine principles
chain driven power transmission
bearings and shaft coupling methods
fastener strength
tire beading and de-beading

Schedule

This class meets Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8:30pm and Sundays from 1-4pm. Starting February 23rd and ending May 16th. This is approximately 40 hours of instruction and 12 hours of driving.

The first eight weeks focus on making the go-karts, while the subsequent four weekends will be spent racing your custom rides.

Eligibility

This project is for students ages 14 to 19. The early registration fee is $275 before January 31st, and $300 afterwards. Students need to commit to missing no more than one class, unless caused by illness or extenuating circumstances. This is a collaborative project and absences are very disruptive.

One scholarship is available by application on the Scholarships tab. The application period closes January 31st and the applicants will be notified by February 6th.

Additional Information

Is it dangerous for a novice welder to make their own go-kart?

This will be the most thoroughly inspected go-kart you will ever ride. We will make use of all necessary safety gear whether it's eye and ear protection during fabrication or a full face helmet while racing, but this of course does not remove all risk. Power tool use and go-kart driving come with a risk that you'll have to evaluate for yourself.

Where will we drive the go-karts?

Various locations within 30 minutes of Vector Space: state trails, private farms, etc.

How fast will the go-karts be?

It depends who's asking. If you're a parent, they'll go 10 mph, if you're a teenager, 25 mph.

I know absolutely nothing about cars or metalworking, but this sounds fun. Will everyone laugh at me if I participate?

Of course not, this is the perfect opportunity to learn.

What will happen to the go-karts after the project ends?

The go-karts will be auctioned off.

What about COVID-19?

Face masks and frequent hand washing will be required during this program. Social distancing will be implemented as often as possible, but students will sometimes need to work closely in a shared space with shared tools. Tools will be cleaned prior to use by students, and the health of each student will be assessed regularly. With this small group (eight students) we will be able to quickly alert participants of any known COVID exposures and the program will be halted if such a situation arises. Parents and students will need to review and sign this COVID-19 Student Behavior Agreement prior to project participation.

Sponsors

Instructors

Adam Spontarelli

Adam began his career as a Mechanical Engineer in the Nuclear Industry, modeling the flow of fluid and heat through pipes and debris, around baffles and impellers, across differing liquids, gasses, and solids. If the laws of Thermodynamics seemed to misbehave and joules of energy went missing, Adam helped find them.

After nearly a decade in the field, he left his desk job to pursue his passion for science, engineering, and making by founding Vector Space. Adam has built coffee roasters, drones, thermally conductive LED boards, arcade machines, childrens' bikes, robotic painting pianos, smart thermostats, and everything in between. He's fascinated by the way things works, and the more technical it gets, the better.

The only thing he enjoys as much as making things is teaching others to make things. As the Director of Education, Adam is responsible for crafting educational programming that excites and engages students. He incorporates the compelling work of Makiguchi, Dewey, and Papert into his teaching methods, placing experiential learning at the forefront of his efforts. Adam has led students to build their own quadcopter, launch capsules into space, race RC cars at 60 mph, build giant flip books, custom bicycles, skateboards, autonomous boats, and so much more. His programs have been nationally recognized by the Nation of Makers and shared with the maker education community through Maker Ed. Adam is always coming up with new ideas and looking forward to the next adventure.

Eddie Nemitz

Eddie has been working on small engines and electronics since age 12. Ever since helping his dad rebuild a carburetor and replace piston rings in his grandfather's old moped, he's been hooked. Eddie enrolled in his high school's Small Engine Maintenance and Repair class, then went on to win first place in the district VICA Small Engine Repair Contest, second in the regional engine theaory and mechanics division, and third in the state finals.

He later worked for Timberlake Small Engines, Putt Putt Golf and Games (repairing go-karts), and Myers and Rhodes in their small engine garages, before leaving the field to pursue other interests. He has since become a certified plumber, electrician, and welder. Eddie's evenings are spent tinkering with electronics, leaving more resistors on his kitchen table than meals. Eddie's interests now vary from Arcade cabinets to home automation to building go-karts, minibikes and ATV's. His latest projects include a Schwinn O.C. chopper build and remodeling the eXp Realty office in downtown Lynchburg. Eddie enjoys working with youth and adults who like to learn, as he himself is learning something new every day.

Participants

These are the makers who are going to bring this project to life! There are -1 open spots remaining.

- Camille

- Colin

- Conlan

- Irvin

- Jonathan

- Luke

- River

- Zach

Application

Applications for this project are open through February 28, 2021.

We are happy to offer needs-based scholarships for families that cannot afford the class registration fee. This scholarship is not merit-based, but reserved only for those in need of financial assistance. Scholarships will cover the entire registration cost of the program, and are made possible by the generosity of Vector Space supporters. In order to qualify, your household income must fall within the Very Low or Extremely Low income brackets as defined by the department of Housing and Urban Development.

Announcement of scholarship awards is made after registration closes.

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Applicant

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Can you commit to attending all scheduled meetings?

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Recommendation

Please attach a letter of recommendation from a teacher or community leader. If they would like to keep the recommendation confidential, they can email it directly to, info [at] vector-space.org
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