At Lincoln Middle School, sixth-grade students recently participated in a fun and exciting soap box derby activity.
All sixth-grade students take a class called Content Literacy. In that class, they read the book Hidden Figures. The book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, who was highly intelligent from a young age and helped Apollo 11 Moon Landing calculations that supported astronaut John Glenn and other space missions. In Chapter 19, Katherine Johnson’s son participates in a soap box derby, and she gives him only ten dollars to buy supplies for his car.
After reading Chapter 19, students had three days in class to decorate and prepare their own mini derby cars. Then, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, teachers Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Towell escorted their classes to the learning stairs so students could race their cars. Students enjoyed competing against their friends and seeing whose car would cross the finish line first.
Overall, with the help of many parents and teachers, everyone had a great time racing and enjoying snacks provided during the event. Many students said they would love to participate in the activity again.
“It’s fun to watch and listen to the kids discuss aerodynamics while they build their mini derby cars,” one teacher shared with a smile.
