In this module released by General Motors Education, students (grades 3-5) learn about the science of electricity and its application to the auto industry. Included are three lesson plans (2-3 class periods each), worksheets, teacher's guide, and an interactive online digital magazine. Lesson plans include the following topics: (1) energy sources (renewable and non-renewable), energy technology, and measuring carbon footprints, (2) battery technology, simple circuits, and the potential impact of battery use in vehicles, and (3) innovation, the impact of innovations such as electric cars, and creating innovations.

In this module released by General Motors Education students (grades 6-8) learn about the science of electricity and its application to the auto industry. Included are three lesson plans (2-3 class periods each), worksheets, teacher's guide, and an interactive online digital magazine. Lesson plans include the following topics: (1) energy sources (renewable and non-renewable), energy technology, and measuring carbon footprints, (2) battery chemistry, technology, and automotive applications, (3) innovation, the impact of innovations such as electric cars, and creating innovations.

This resource was developed by the Kent Career and Technical Center through seed funding from the CAAT and is a project-based curriculum that revolves around the construction of a working electric powered vehicle that will be entered into an Electrathon America race. This curriculum guides students through the design, build, and test process with their electric powered vehicle. Curriculum experiences include a combination of classroom, lab learning, on-site work experiences, and exposure to emerging green career pathways. The curriculum developed includes mathematics and science standards for Physics, P1-P4, with an emphasis on forces and motion, energy, and electricity for grades 9-12.

This module is part of the course "Intro to Mechatronics" at Lawrence Technological University and was developed through seed funding from theCAAT. This module consists of a PowerPoint presentation and accelerometer LabVIEW lab. Discussed in the Power Point are automotive sensors, actuators, and their use in powertrain (energy use, drivability and performance), body (occupant needs), and chassis (vehicle handling and safety). Some of the types of these sensors are rotational (crank or cam position), pressure (EVAP system or MAP), exhaust gas (oxygen sensor), and actuators (air bag inflators, relays, and injectors). Also included is a section on DC and AC motors operation and their automotive applications (traction motor, window motor, and seat motor). The lab will introduce students to developing data acquisition for sensors using National Instruments LabVIEW software. For instructors who would like solutions to the lab, pleasecontact theCAAT.

This module is part of the course "Intro to Mechatronics" at Lawrence Technological University and was developed through seed funding from the CAAT. This module consists of a PowerPoint presentation and accelerometer LabVIEW lab. Discussed in the Power Point are automotive sensors, actuators, and their use in powertrain (energy use, drivability and performance), body (occupant needs), and chassis (vehicle handling and safety). Some of the types of these sensors are rotational (crank or cam position), pressure (EVAP system or MAP), exhaust gas (oxygen sensor), and actuators (air bag inflators, relays, and injectors). Also included is a section on DC and AC motors operation and their automotive applications (HEV drive motor, window motor, and seat motor). The lab will introduce students to developing data acquisition for sensors using National Instruments LabVIEW software. For instructors who would like solutions to the lab, please contact the CAAT.

In his book, MacKay explores our population's addiction to fossil fuels and the problems faced with sustainability. Two issues faced with fossil fuels are they will eventually run out and they are harming our environment during use. McKay does not give one simple solution to the problem, but contrast various advanced technologies and how they may be applied to improve our environment and sustainability. More information may be found at http://www.withouthotair.com/.

In this discussion paper by colleagues at Harvard University, the future of a large U.S. electric vehicle market is examined based on key questions. To answer these questions, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs), and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are compared with current and projected future lifecycle costs and various scenarios (change in gas/electricity cost, battery cost, customer discount rates, and vehicle efficiency). It is found that currently BEVs and PHEVs are $4000-$5000 more than ICEVs based on lifecycle cost, but in 10-20 years BEVs will be $1000-$7000 cheaper than ICEVs while PHEVs will possible remain more expensive than ICEVs unless battery cost drops significantly and gas prices rise. It is concluded that for the electric vehicle market to increase substantially in the next 10-20 years, gas prices will need to be $4.50 to $5.50 per gallon while battery technology and range increase. However, this can be accelerated with government assistance.