Even ducks reach 40 mph with a boost

Which is faster, a duck or a dragster?

First, you need to know what is powering each one -- in this case, an eight-ounce carbon dioxide canister.

Secondly, you need to understand basic physics, such as acceleration, wind resistance and aerodynamics.

Thirdly, you need to have fun -- which Wasilla High School teachers are trying to do with science.

For freshmen at Wasilla High School, physical science is a hands-on affair. Wednesday afternoon, a 65-foot track put the duck, the dragster and more than 300 other cars to the speed test.

"We're getting them up there 35, 40 miles an hour," said teacher Mike Lutes. "And that is in about a second."

Two by two, the vehicles were sent hurling down the track -- two straight portions of fishing line that kept the vehicles going the right way. Faster times were those in the 1.100-1.200 range.

Each student in the freshman class designed a vehicle, from the structure to the paint job.

Some opted for classic Pinewood Derby-type designs, while others, such as the duck, opted for skinnier bodies and larger front ends and rear ends.

All of the vehicles had to weigh at least 50 grams, and all were powered by an eight-ounce canister of carbon dioxide.

Coming up with the designs required some good old-fashioned science, Lutes said.

"They've got to consider a lot of science, like acceleration and wind resistance," Lutes said.

While the students who designed the fastest vehicles won bragging rights, they also took home some electronics.

The overall fastest car won its designer a digital camera, and other top prizes included an MP3 player, a CD player and gift certificates for businesses such as Cold Stone Creamery and the Wasilla High School student store.

The CO2-powered drag races are just one of several hands-on projects for the students at WHS.

Later this spring, the freshman class will be taking part in the annual Rocket Day, in which students launch rockets they design and build.

"We do motion units, and then rocketry at the end of the year," Lutes said. "It gives students some class projects to work on."