Student Day at the Houston AutoRama 2009 is a two-part program entitled Engineering Speed for middle school through college age students that demonstrates the connection between technology, cars, math and real life.

• In the first segment, Dr. Tapia presents “Math is Cool,” a presentation primarily focused on the construction of several math applications to what the students would consider exciting and “cool” activities. "Math is Cool," which has been presented to students and teachers across the country to enthusiastic response, demonstrates how math can be used to meet challenges in showing cars. Included is an example of a fusion of math and art to construct a psychedelic video centered on the Tapia’s award-winning 1970 Chevelle muscle car. 

Dr. Tapia's award-winning show car, Heavy Metal
(see it at the AutoRama Show, and see the Heavy Metal pages at Dr. Tapia's website.)

• In the second segment, there will be a presentation given by an individual from local industry who will discuss the mathematics behind car crashes, as well as presentations by premier car builders. Students will also have an opportunity to hear from owners from across the country who share their experiences about finding, restoring, and showing their cars in auto shows.

Engineering Speed will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 27, 2009 as part of the Houston/International Show Car Association Education Day. Student Day is sponsored by Rice University's Center for Excellence and Equity in Education with the generous support of Boyer, Inc., Sprint Waste Services and John O'Quinn's Classic Car Collection, so there is no cost to the students or chaperones. However, everyone MUST have already registered online, mailed us a confirmation form that they will attend the program, and received an email from us.

Those attending Student Day will see the Engineering Speed program and the car show for free, will get a coupon for a free hot dog and soft drink, and will also get a wristband pass that will get them into AutoRama free for the entire weekend. Everyone is responsible for their own transportation.

Note: This presentation is designed for middle school age and older.  Since seating is limited, we have to ask you to not bring students who are not at least in the 5th grade.  Thanks!

To register, "click here."

To see and/or print the flyer, "click here."