Electric Vehicle STEM Project

Over the past ten to 15 years technology advancements have changed all aspects of our lives. We communicate differently, we control the lighting and heating of our homes through our phones that we carry with us at all times, cars are becoming more autonomous and fuels are moving away from the conventional fossil sources to alternative sources, and the methods by which we power these technology needs are changing as well. In response to these technology needs, our methods of educating our workforce are advancing as well. Experiential learning is becoming almost imperative to allow students to learn applications along with the theory of the subject matter. There have been numerous methods and programs of instruction that have been developed and are in practice to educate students regarding STEM subjects. This project is designed to bring several aspects of STEM and general education learning to 5th grade students across the state. In conjunction with GreenpowerUSA, the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) will develop and implement a program that will allow students to design, construct and competitively race a one person electric vehicle. The base of the vehicle and the design software will be purchased from GreenpowerUSA. The students are required to utilize 3D software provided with the base car kit to design the outer covering. This software will teach computer design skills as well as concerns for aerodynamics and aesthetics of the design. The program will also develop marketing capabilities as the students will be required to gain sponsorships for their vehicles and programs. The first year of this program will concentrate on the planning, school recruitment and teacher preparation. First, the CAER will meet with staff of GreenpowerUSA to develop and refine a strategic plan for the program which will consider a 5 year planning horizon. The plan will include a broad based communication plan for recruiting schools, recruiting sponsorships from the automotive industry in KY. These sponsorships will be sought from entities such as Ford, Toyota, General Motors, and Hitachi. It is expected that the actual competitive race would be conducted at either the Kentucky Speedway, the Toyota test track or the test track at the Corvette manufacturing facility. Other potential sponsors such as the electric utilities within the state will also be explored. It is expected that sponsorship of the program will not be hindrance as many of these industries are generous supporters of STEM education. It is expected that 15 schools may participate in the first year program. During the first year, electronic communication and conferences such as the Kentucky Science Teacher Association will be utilized to recruit interested schools. GreenpowerUSA and CAER will develop a professional development session for the participating teachers to teach them about the program, the software, and the point system that has been developed in order to win the competition. An award system will be developed in the strategic plan. If the education system in Kentucky is receptive to the program it is expected that a second year program will be actually implementing the program within at least 15 school systems. The second year of the program will be the actual implementation of the curriculum which will culminate in the race in the Spring of 2021. During this time CAER will be available to assist the schools and will be planning and organizing the race. It is expected that the UK solar car team and the UK Energy Club students will be active participants in the race. CAER will seek to develop a relationship with the Sports Car Club of America for support of the actual race implementation.