By Katie Hurst
 The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education. |
The SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience kicked off the 2019 tour at Championship Auto Shows Cavalcade of Customs in Cincinnati and World of Wheels Pittsburgh.
The middle school field trip program introduces students to the automotive customization hobby through STEM Education. Students learn about customization options with an emphasis on performance, design, safety and technology. The half-day field trips provide an interactive, hands-on automotive learning experience where students participate in a blue sky think tank and are encouraged to identify components of their dream vehicles, explore the show floor guided by a scavenger hunt and design their own custom vehicle.
In an effort to create a real-world atmosphere, students form their own fabrication company to design and build a custom vehicle. Using ideas from their think tank, inspiration from the show floor and a catalogue of upgrade customization options, the students select what is most important to them. With the use of a budgeting spreadsheet, the students are challenged to purchase and accessorize their vehicle with an eye on resell profitability. The students then pitch their customized vehicle to industry volunteer judges, "Shark-Tank" style style.
 In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience. |
In just two events, more than 600 students and more than 80 instructors have participated in the SEMA CuS.T.E.M. Car Experience. In total, SEMA will host 10 events before the 2019 school year ends and will reach around 3,000 students.
Volunteer opportunities are available at each event. Volunteers will represent the automotive aftermarket industry, lend their expertise as students work through their projects and serve as judges during the pitches. If you are interested in getting involved and for more information, contact Katie Hurst at katieh@sema.org.
Additional 2019 Dates and Locations:
Championship Auto Shows
- Kansas City, MO- February 22
- Detroit, MI- March 1
- Chicago, IL- March 8
- Salt Lake City, UT- March 22
Barrett-Jackson Auctions
- Palm Beach, FL- April 11
LeMey-America’s Car Museum
- Tacoma, WA- April 19