Racing Towards a Clean Energy Future
In February 2021, Esports Cities and D3eSports/Dawson Racing (Stem Gen, Inc.) developed and launched the D3eSports Cup, a virtual STEM (Science | Technology | Engineering | Math) education – based Esports pilot program with three Pennsylvania STEM high schools.
Auto racing has always been at the cutting edge of technology. The Dawsons’ mission is to help transform the world from fossil fuel dependence to zero carbon emission technologies through racing. This transformation will require a new generation of highly skilled STEM workers. D3eSports was founded to help reach students in a fun and approachable way while encouraging them to pursue STEM-based careers in racing and beyond.
It is interesting to note that of the student drivers who participated, many had never participated in a sport, club, or after school activity prior to the D3eSports Cup.
Racing Towards a Clean Energy Future
In February 2021, Esports Cities and D3eSports/Dawson Racing (Stem Gen, Inc.) developed and launched the D3eSports Cup, a virtual STEM (Science | Technology | Engineering | Math) education – based Esports pilot program with three Pennsylvania STEM high schools.
Auto racing has always been at the cutting edge of technology. The Dawsons’ mission is to help transform the world from fossil fuel dependence to zero carbon emission technologies through racing. This transformation will require a new generation of highly skilled STEM workers. D3eSports was founded to help reach students in a fun and approachable way while encouraging them to pursue STEM-based careers in racing and beyond.
It is interesting to note that of the student drivers who participated, many had never participated in a sport, club, or after school activity prior to the D3eSports Cup.
What: D3Esports Cup
Goal: Test STEM curriculum topics themed around virtual racing while executing Esports racing challenges.
Duration: February 23, 2021 – March 23, 2021
Participants: 16 10th – 12th grade STEM students from three Pennsylvania STEM high schools and one host driver from D3eSports.
Student Driver Directives: Teamwork | Collaboration | Fun
Game/ Platform: Forza Motorsport 7 (Microsoft) for Xbox and PC
Production Partner: Mainline (Mainline.gg)
Broadcast Platform: Twitch
Social Platform: Discord
Format: 5 weeks of racing. Each week featured a different racetrack with a corresponding STEM lesson. For example, week three’s race was in the rain. The lesson centered around the role of tires and tire selection in racing.
Each week’s race consisted of
- 15 – Minute Race
- Break
- 15 – Minute Race
- 5 – Minute Q & A with Student Drivers
Positive STEM Outcomes from Esports:
- Improves visual acuity and attention
- Increase problem-solving skills
- Fosters scientific reasoning
- Associated with higher math achievement
- Associated with language learning
- Strongly associated with technology fluency
- Improves digital and print literacy
- Increased involvement in STEM activities (website creation, streaming, digital analytics)
What: D3Esports Cup
Goal: Test STEM curriculum topics themed around virtual racing while executing Esports racing challenges.
Duration: February 23, 2021 – March 23, 2021
Participants: 16 10th – 12th grade STEM students from three Pennsylvania STEM high schools and one host driver from D3eSports.
Student Driver Directives: Teamwork | Collaboration | Fun
Game/ Platform: Forza Motorsport 7 (Microsoft) for Xbox and PC
Production Partner: Mainline (Mainline.gg)
Broadcast Platform: Twitch
Social Platform: Discord
Format: 5 weeks of racing. Each week featured a different racetrack with a corresponding STEM lesson. For example, week three’s race was in the rain. The lesson centered around the role of tires and tire selection in racing.
Each week’s race consisted of
- 15 – Minute Race
- Break
- 15 – Minute Race
- 5 – Minute Q & A with Student Drivers
Positive STEM Outcomes from Esports:
- Improves visual acuity and attention
- Increase problem-solving skills
- Fosters scientific reasoning
- Associated with higher math achievement
- Associated with language learning
- Strongly associated with technology fluency
- Improves digital and print literacy
- Increased involvement in STEM activities (website creation, streaming, digital analytics)