Hollis Innovation Academy Students Build and Race Their Own Miniature Cars at ‘Nerdy Derby’ Event

Students and families from the Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy recently had a blast building and racing their own personalized, miniature race cars, all thanks to the fun-filled “Nerdy Derby.” The daylong event is twist on the Pinewood Derby, where all rules are thrown out and the focus is on rewarding creativity, cleverness and ingenuity.

Held Saturday, March 18, at Hollis, Nerdy Derby brought together 100 students, families and members of the school community. Fourth and fifth graders in the Hollis Hackers Club used their creativity to make their own cars and build a 31-foot long track. The event was sponsored in collaboration with the Atlanta Science Festival, Decatur Makers, and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing.

“It was a great success getting the community involved with our STEM initiatives,” Hollis principal Dr. Diamond Jack said. “It was fun to have everyone make cars and compete in the race.”