Making motors: Science fair at Racine elementary school comes with a big prize

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A special STEM project at a Racine elementary school comes with a big prize, thanks to United Way and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Fifth grade students at Knapp Elementary School in Racine had a special type of science fair, showcasing their very own electric cars.

"We had to get batteries and a motor and connect the wires so it could turn on. We had a switch," said student Jonah Soto.

For many of the students, it was a lesson in perseverance.

"This car, it showed me patience," said Jonah's teammate, Bella Johnson. "We had to make our motor, test it out."

It took the students several weeks to make their cars, with engineering help from Modine Manufacturing.

The program is a unique way to get students at United Way Community Schools interested in STEM.

"It was nice to see them pull that confidence out," said Community School Coordinator Zyaire Strowder. "It teaches our kids what direction our future is going into, and it proves to them that they can also be a part of that transition."

Monday afternoon, three teams did a presentation on their process and a race, all in front of a judging panel.

"It was just amazing to see them come together and prove to themselves that they're capable," Strowder explained.

The winners get a special prize: Tickets to a Milwaukee Bucks game, with transportation and free food.

"From there, the fires were lit, and they were just on top of everything," Strowder said.

"I'm just trying to get the Bucks game so I can bring my little brother," Bella said.

Winners will be announced Thursday, but the fun with friends was a prize on its own.

"Working together is better than working alone," Jonah said.

It could also be inspiration for a future career.

"A lot of them said they are now going to be mechanics and work on cars, so yeah, you guys might have planted a seed here," Strowder said.