Transportation

In these engaging and dynamic projects, high school students will work collaboratively to explore exciting and innovative fields in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Through hands-on experimentation, testing, and iterative design, students will gain valuable experience in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. From the Drone Games and Rocket Design and Launch to the Tissue Paper Hot Air Balloons and Solar Sprint Vehicles, these projects offer a fun and engaging way to develop valuable skills and make exciting discoveries. By participating in these projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of the principles that govern flight, renewable energy, and clean transportation while harnessing the power of advanced manufacturing techniques, magnetic propulsion, and much more. (All pictures featured on this page represent the respective projects and are owned by Us Drone Soccer, Pitsco, Kelvin Technology, and SeaPearch.)

The Drone Games: Drone Soccer

This project brings students together in a fun and engaging way to learn about drones through the exciting new sport of drone soccer. Working in teams, students gain hands-on experience with drones and develop valuable skills in programming and robotics. They also learn important social and emotional skills related to teamwork, communication, and strategy. By participating in drone soccer, students stay active while learning about technology and working towards a shared goal.

Exploring the Final Frontier: Rocket Design and Launch

This project challenges teams of high school students to delve into the science and engineering of solid-fuel rockets, exploring design and launch principles through hands-on experimentation. Using AutoCAD, students will design or improve existing parts to boost rocket performance, 3D printing and testing them to optimize flight. As they work collaboratively, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of STEAM principles, applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. With a comprehensive and engaging curriculum, this project offers an opportunity for students to build valuable skills and make exciting discoveries in the field of rocketry.

Over the Rainbow: Design & Build Tissue Paper Hot Air Balloons

high school students collaborate in teams to employ the engineering design process and create a 3-foot-tall hot air balloon made entirely of tissue paper. Through hands-on experimentation and testing, students will learn about the science behind hot air balloon flight and explore design principles related to materials, construction, and aerodynamics. Using creativity and critical thinking, teams will work to optimize their balloon's performance, culminating in a competition to see whose design can stay in the air the longest. Through this project, students will develop valuable skills in STEAM and gain a deep understanding of the principles that govern flight.

Wright On: Explore Flight Principles with Model Planes

This engaging project challenges high school students to learn about aeronautics and problem-solving by designing and building complete model airplanes. Using electrical power and a tethered pole, students test their planes for speed, carrying capacity, and altitude. Through hands-on experimentation and iterative design, students gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills. By participating in this project, students gain an understanding of the principles of flight and explore the possibilities of model airplane design.

Hovering to New Heights: Hovercrafts

This exciting project challenges high school teams to employ the engineering design process and construct a hovercraft using DC motors, propellers, and a 9V battery. Working collaboratively, students will explore design principles related to materials, aerodynamics, and mechanics, creating a working model that can be 3D printed or constructed from formboards. Through iterative testing and experimentation, students will develop valuable skills in STEAM and gain a deep understanding of engineering principles. By participating in this project, students will discover the excitement of designing and building functional machines and gain the confidence to tackle future engineering challenges.

The Hydrogen Highway: A Fuel Cell Vehicle Design Challenge

This project challenges high school students to use AutoCAD and the engineering design process to construct a mousetrap race car. Through hands-on experimentation and iterative design, students will explore materials, mechanics, and energy transfer, building a functional car that can be propelled by a mousetrap. With a focus on problem-solving and teamwork, students will develop critical thinking skills and gain a deep understanding of the principles of engineering. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and discover the excitement of designing and building functional machines.

Photovoltaic Phantoms: Solar Sprint Vehicles

Participating in the TSA's Junior Solar Sprint competition provides students with a unique opportunity to develop important technical and leadership skills as they design and build solar-powered model cars. Through the process of constructing a vehicle from scratch, students not only learn about solar energy and engineering principles, but also develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills that will serve them well in future academic and professional endeavors. Competing in the Junior Solar Sprint competition is an exciting and rewarding way for students to harness the power of the sun and drive their passion for STEAM education forward.

The Hydrogen Highway: A Fuel Cell Vehicle Design Challenge

Student experience the thrill of building and testing their very own fuel cell car with this exciting project. Using a reversible PEM fuel cell, students can harness the power of hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical energy, which propels a small electric motor. By designing and testing their fuel cell cars, students will develop a deeper understanding of fuel cell technology and renewable energy, while sharpening their engineering, problem-solving, and data analysis skills. This project offers a fun and interactive way to engage with alternative energy and explore the possibilities of clean transportation.

"Glide Through the Glades: Engineering Air Boats

In this exciting project, high school students will employ the engineering design process to create a functioning air boat model inspired by those used in the Everglades. Using materials such as foam, DC motors, and batteries, students will design, construct, and test their models, gathering data to inform iterative design improvements. With a focus on problem-solving and innovation, teams will work collaboratively to optimize their air boats for speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

Submerged in STEAM: Underwater ROVs for the SeaPerch Challenge

In this exciting project, high school teams will employ the engineering design process to construct an underwater ROV based on SeaPerch competition rules. Using AutoCAD and advanced manufacturing equipment, as well as traditional building methods and soldering techniques, students will design and assemble a functional ROV that can navigate underwater environments. With a focus on problem-solving and teamwork, teams will work collaboratively to optimize the performance of their ROV, testing and adapting their designs based on collected data. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

Project Overview

This section contains descriptions of the projects completed by my students, providing a glimpse into the kinds of assignments we work on together.

Sailing into STEAM Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

In this exciting project, high school teams will use the engineering design process to design a sail boat in AutoCAD. Students will then produce the wooden hull of the boat using advanced CNC technology, before applying a finish of sanding and painting. With the help of a laser cutter, students will cut out the keel and rudder of the boat, and then use a sewing machine to add seam finishes to the edges of the sail. After applying a water-repellant coating and attaching grommets to the rope, students will assemble their functional sail boat and test it, optimizing its performance through data analysis and design adjustments. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

Not Your Father's CO2 Car: Teams Use Advanced Technology to Build and Test CO2 Vehicles

This comprehensive project challenges high school teams to use AutoCAD to design and build a CO2 vehicle using a range of tools, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and vinyl cutters. Through hands-on experimentation, students will learn about the science of aerodynamics, friction, and energy and power systems, as well as the principles of engineering and design. With a focus on problem-solving and troubleshooting, students will construct everything from the wheels to the body, honing valuable math, modeling, and precision measurement skills. By participating in this project, students will develop a deep understanding of STEAM principles and gain the confidence to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Magnetic Momentum: Discovering Magnetic Levitation with 3D-Printed Maglev Vehicles

This exciting project challenges high school teams to employ the engineering design process and use 3D Builder to design, 3D print, assemble, and test a maglev vehicle using magnetic propulsion. Through hands-on experimentation, students will explore the principles of electromagnetism and learn about the applications of magnetic levitation. With a focus on problem-solving and innovation, teams will work collaboratively to optimize the performance of their vehicle, and electric power will be carried to the vehicle through metal rails. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

Engineering on the Water: Solar-Powered Model Boats

In this engaging project, high school students will employ AutoCAD to design a model boat that can be powered by a switch-activated solar cell and battery. With a focus on materials, design, and engineering principles, students will construct their boat using rigid foam, hot wire, and sanding techniques, honing their skills in precision measurement and handcrafting. Through testing and experimentation, students will gain a deep understanding of the principles of physics and mechanics, and discover the excitement of creating functional machines. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

Sailing into STEAM: The

3D-Printed Motor Boat

In this engaging project, high school teams will employ the engineering design process to construct a motorboat propelled by a DC motor and two AA batteries. Using AutoCAD and 3D printing technology, students will design and create the hull and propellers, as well as other components required to assemble a functioning boat. With a focus on precision and problem-solving, teams will work collaboratively to optimize the performance of their boat, testing and adapting their designs based on collected data. By participating in this project, students will gain valuable experience in STEAM fields and develop critical thinking skills.

A Journey to Sustainability: Transportation Gallery Walk

High school students will collaborate to create a thought-provoking and interactive art project that celebrates sustainable transportation. Using foam boards, students will design and cut out symbols of electric vehicles, bicycles, and other sustainable modes of transportation. As a class, they will participate in a gallery walk, adding positive economic, environmental, and social effects of sustainable transportation on sticky notes at the top of the silhouette and negative effects at the bottom. The final product will be a visually stunning display that showcases the benefits of sustainable transportation, including reduced air pollution, improved health outcomes, and a more equitable society. Through this project, students will develop their critical thinking and teamwork skills while gaining an appreciation for the power of sustainable transportation.

The Depths of Innovation: Create Cutting-Edge Submarines

In this innovative project, high school teams will work collaboratively to design, construct, and test a functional model submarine. With a focus on precision and problem-solving, teams will employ the engineering design process to create a sub that can move forward and in reverse, dive and ascend, and feature an adjustable rudder. Using an underwater DC motor pack design and assembly, teams will develop and test a variety of variable designs, integrating the key principles of science, technology, engineering, and math. This open-ended project provides an exciting and engaging challenge for students, encouraging them to think creatively and critically as they explore the intersection of engineering and aquatic exploration.