Teacher: William Rhinesmith
Location: Wayne Valley High School, 551 Valley Rd, Wayne, NJ
 
The Junior Car Techs: Junk Car Academy introduces middle school students to the world of automotive technology using a real donated “junk” vehicle as a safe, hands-on learning tool. Students will explore what goes into building, maintaining, and understanding a vehicle through interactive, creative, and team-based activities.

Each week, students will work through new areas of the vehicle—exterior, tires, engine, tools, and interior systems—while learning real-world safety practices and problem-solving skills. The experience ends with a fun “Mystery Car Challenge,” where teams diagnose and present their findings just like real automotive technicians. This academy aligns perfectly with CTE and STEM goals by emphasizing safety, mechanical understanding, critical thinking, and teamwork—all in a highly engaging format.