Free Hot Wheels Speedometry Classroom Kits for Educators: Application Process and Eligibility

Educators in the United States seeking to incorporate hands-on learning tools into their classrooms may be eligible to receive a free Hot Wheels Speedometry classroom kit. This promotional program, offered by Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand, is designed to support teachers in Kindergarten, fourth grade, and STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines. The kits provide a comprehensive set of materials intended to facilitate inquiry-based and problem-based learning activities mapped to state and national educational standards.

Program Overview and Kit Contents

The Hot Wheels Speedometry program provides a physical kit containing various components to facilitate classroom activities. According to multiple sources, the standard kit includes:

40 Hot Wheels diecast cars
16 orange loops
16 track clamps
64 track connectors
More than 100 feet of orange track

The curriculum associated with these kits was co-created with researchers at the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. It is designed to encourage inquiry and real-world problem-solving through play and hands-on activities. The lessons are mapped to Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the free kit program is restricted to specific groups of educators. The sources indicate that priority is given to:

Kindergarten teachers
Fourth grade teachers
STEM/STEAM educators

One source notes that the program is geared toward Full Day Kindergarten teachers, specifically referencing a "FUNdamentals Learning Program." Another source mentions that applications are accepted from "certified educators." While the program is primarily associated with the United States, one source references "Hot Wheels Canada," suggesting that similar initiatives may exist in other regions, though the primary focus of the available data is on U.S. educators.

Application and Redemption Process

To request a free kit, educators must follow a specific application process. The steps are outlined as follows:

Locate the Application: The application is found on the Hot Wheels website, specifically in the "Classroom Kit Information" section or at the URL http://www.hotwheels.com/en-us/speedometry.html.
Print and Fill Out the Form: Applicants are required to print a specific form available through the program website.
Submit the Form: The completed form must be emailed to [email protected].

Processing Time and Shipping

Once the application is submitted, processing can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. Due to limited quantities, kits are distributed on a priority basis to the eligible grade levels and subject areas mentioned above. It is explicitly stated that kits are shipped directly to the school address noted on the application form. They are not shipped to personal residences.

Educational Utility and Classroom Integration

The Hot Wheels kits are intended for educational use rather than simple recreation. Sources describe the program as a way to teach various subjects, including visualization, descriptive writing, and physics concepts such as kinetic energy and Newton's laws of motion.

Educators who have previously received the kits have shared various methods of integration:

Math and Graphing: Using the cars and tracks to introduce graphing on coordinate planes, requiring students to understand vocabulary such as x-axis, y-axis, origin, ordered pairs, and quadrants.
Literacy: Using the cars for visualization exercises where students draw pictures based on verbal descriptions of races, or writing descriptive paragraphs about the cars.
Science: Conducting experiments related to velocity and motion.
Play-Based Learning: Allowing students unstructured time to build tracks and experiment with the materials to develop problem-solving and collaboration skills.

One source mentions a "FUNdamentals Learning Kit" received in 2014 which included an educational Activity Book and a CD with lesson plans. While the current Speedometry kit focuses on the physical components, the educational framework remains a central element of the offer.

Alternative Resources and Discounts

While the primary focus is on the free kit program, sources also list general discounts and resources available to educators. For example, a listing of teacher discounts includes a mention of the Hot Wheels Speedometry program alongside discounts for other brands such as GE Appliances, Home Chef, and Microsoft.

Additionally, educational resources related to Hot Wheels are available on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers. These resources include lesson plans, worksheets, and activities designed to complement the use of Hot Wheels in the classroom, such as "Kinetic Energy - A short read" and "Newtons three laws of motion and Jingle Bells."

Conclusion

The Hot Wheels Speedometry classroom kit represents a significant resource for educators focused on STEM and play-based learning. By providing free physical materials and a standards-mapped curriculum, the program aims to enhance student engagement and knowledge in science and math. The application process is straightforward but requires submission of a printed form via email, and educators are advised that processing may take several weeks. Due to limited inventory, priority is given to specific grade levels, specifically Kindergarten and fourth grade, as well as STEM/STEAM educators.