I’m not sure how many collectors are aware of the Hot Wheels Speedometry Classroom Kit, so I thought it would be fun to highlight what I think is a pretty cool program. I became aware of the program because my wife works in an elementary school. This also gave me access to the kit so I could take some photos for this post.
The following description is taken directly from a FAQ on the Hot Wheels website:
Speedometry is a free-to-use curriculum, designed for fourth grade students, that utilizes Hot Wheels toys to teach the FUNdamentals of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Speedometry is the result of collaboration between the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and the Mattel Children’s Foundation.
The curriculum is comprised of 2 units, intended to provide over 10 hours of instruction to students. Unit 1: Speed Ramps explores potential and kinetic energy and Unit 2: Mini Collision Course explores the relationship between energy and force. Fourteen professional development videos are available on the Speedometry website to assist you with teaching both units to your students.
The kit includes 40 cars and enough track parts to set up 16 separate 7′ courses, each with its own desk clamp and a single loop. The Speedometry page of the Hot Wheels website offers downloadable Grade 4-level lesson plans and supporting videos, as well as suggested learning activities for families to use the kit at home.
Unfortunately as of this writing, a note on the site says that – due to very high demand – the kit is temporarily unavailable.
In the kit that I looked at, I found it interesting that most of the cars included were 2014 HW Mystery Models. There are 5 different models, with 8-car bundles of each model. Each car is individually sealed in clear plastic.
X6999 | 2015 HW Various Multipacks | La Fasta | metalflake black with white, red & black trim | PR5
BDL15 | 2014 HW Mystery Models #05/12 | Bedlam | blue with white, yellow & lt. green trim | chrome orange PR5
BDL15 | 2014 HW Mystery Models #09/12 | CCM Country Club Muscle | green with white, blue & black trim | 10SP
BDL15 | 2014 HW Mystery Models #10/12 | Ultra Rage | bright red with yellow & white trim | white OH5SP
BDL15 | 2014 HW Mystery Models #12/12 | Power Pro | yellow with white, red, black & silver trim | PR5