BACKGROUND>
In November of
1996 a group of students from Jackson County Comprehensive High School in rural
north Georgia made a unique presentation to Jackson Electric Membership
Corporation. To learn more about alternative transportation technology,
environmental issues, and to help other students learn thought hands-on
activities and in-service learning, they wanted to construct an electric
go-kart. With funding and technical assistance from Jackson EMC, these students
completed the state’s first high school student-built electric vehicle in
November, 1997. With continued effort and involvement of many dedicated
volunteers and teachers, this simple business/education partnership helped spawn
a state-wide program of using electric vehicles to teach science, technology,
and environmental concepts in an exciting, innovative way. By 2005 the program
had grown to over 30 middle and high schools around the state. A pilot study
conducted by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association’s Cooperative
Research Network helped launch programs patterned after the Georgia program in
Arkansas and Indiana. Annual EV Rallies allowed student teams to test their
electric vehicles in challenging driving events and their expertise in academic
competitions.
PURPOSE>
Develop an educational electric vehicle program which will:
Challenge and motivate students to go beyond just acquiring knowledge to the application, evaluation, and synthesis of concepts.
Improve performance on science and technology standards.
Foster development of research, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Increase knowledge of environmental and transportation issues.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT>
Before teachers begin working with their students, they attend EV training workshops.
They build the same vehicles that they will be using in the classroom. In the process they learn about the subject matter, the curriculum, and other information resources. Teachers in the workshops work together, learn from each other, and help each other. The teacher network, ongoing technical support and training keep teachers current. See WORKSHOP NOTICES
CURRICULUM >
Both Physical
Science and Technology teachers have found that building an electric vehicle in
their classrooms has allowed them not only to elicit their students'
enthusiastic attention, but also to reinforce Georgia Performance Standards. The
following files include sample lesson plans volunteered by Physics Teacher
Brandon Mitchell of Winder Barrow High School :
Introduction to Science LessonPlans-Unit1IntrotoScience (7-8days)
|
Introduction
to Science without EVEP |
Motion, Forces, Work, Power and Simple Machines
EV Master has E-MTV kits, "how-to" books & manuals on electric vehicles for sale: www.evmaster.com
The following linked files are GPS that can be met by teaching Electric Vehicle Technology and connecting it to topical environmental and economic energy concerns.
Download the files for your information:
science gps |
tech-ag GPS
GETTING STARTED >
What is needed to start an Electric Vehicle Education Program?
Administrative Support, Dedicated, informed teacher!, Interested, enthusiastic
students! Space to build your E-MTV A 12 x 12 corner of your classroom will do A
large sturdy worktable or strong sawhorses and a sturdy piece of plywood for the
frame of the E-MTV Hand tools, soldering gun, crimping tool Computer to run
instructions on how to build an E-MTV Safety Equipment Racing go-cart or
motorcycle helmet Fire extinguisher, baking soda, eye wash, gloves, safety
glasses E-MTV kit or the parts to build an electric go-cart Time to meet after
school or Saturday at least twice a month Funding $5250 for an E-MTV kit (one
time purchase) Donations in kind or funds to purchase tools and equipment (one
time purchase) $300 each year to buy a new wiring set to rebuild the control
board Money to attend the EV Rally in March each year. $50 per school and $10.00
per student and adults. Questions? Email lromo@eveducation.org for more
information!