Unique lessons and activities offered to Hoosier fourth grade students to explore the history of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500  

The 500 Festival announces that registration is open for the 2023 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Indiana University Health. The Education Program takes place during the spring months of the 2022-2023 school year and is free and open to all Indiana fourth grade classrooms.  

The Education Program equips fourth grade educators with engaging lesson plans and classroom materials that allow students to explore the significant role of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 in Indiana’s history and culture. The program’s curriculum is based on Indiana Academic Standards for language arts, health, math, science, social studies, visual arts, and physical education.  

Within the program, fourth-grade classrooms will have the opportunity to participate in a Study Trip, which takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or a Mobile Trip, where the 500 Festival brings the fun of a field trip to their school. The Study Trips and Mobile Trips culminate the program and bring the classroom lessons to life. 

Since the program’s inception in 2004, these lessons have impacted more than 422,000 students in more than 17,000 classrooms throughout the state of Indiana.  

“The Education Program is truly a unique experience for fourth-grade students to learn about the history and traditions that are so deeply rooted in our community and the state of Indiana,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “To impact Hoosier students annually and provide an educational and memorable experience is an honor for the 500 Festival.”  

“It was a worthwhile program,” said a previous Education Program teacher. “As we study Indiana history in 4th grade, we try to instill in our students’ pride in their state. Learning about and visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway helps develop that pride.” 

To register or learn more about the Education Program, visit 500Festival.com/Education or search #500EdProg on social media. 

The 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program is supported by: Indiana University Health, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the 500 Festival Foundation, Regions Bank, NTT IndyCar Series, and Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC. 

About the 500 Festival 

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit 500festival.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   

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