TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Transportation Systems Waterbury, CT Design Brief: Electric Vehicle

Context: A narrative description of the design-problem situation. It places the challenge in a context that gives meaning to the problem for the student and fits into the scope of the course. The automobile plays a very important economic and social role in nearly all modern societies. An entire infrastructure supports the automobile. Roads and bridges, traffic control and regulations, service industries, and financial institutions are part of this infrastructure. However, with all of the social and economic benefits brought about with the automobile industry there are some significant disadvantages. The gasoline engine typically used in automobiles converts the chemical energy of gasoline into mechanical energy that can be used for vehicle propulsion. During this conversion process, the components of burned fuel are released into the atmosphere. These emissions create major pollution problems where large concentrations of automobiles are found in conjunction with certain atmospheric conditions. Los Angeles, California is an excellent example where the emissions of automobiles, geography, and prevailing wind conditions promote the development of poor air quality or smog. California, Massachusetts, and New York have adopted automobile regulations that require 2 percent of new automobiles sold to be “zero pollution” automobiles by 1998. Consequently, major automobile manufacturers are actively developing electric vehicles to meet these new regulations.

Challenge: A statement that describes the design problem the student needs to solve. Your challenge is to develop an innovative electric vehicle that is significantly different from traditional automobile models. The intended model should be oriented toward the suburban commuter. Your EV model should be designed to accommodate a driver and one passenger. The battery should be capable of being charged at a charging station or independently charged using solar energy.

Resources: The basic materials and equipment provided for students to complete the challenge. wood, plastics fasteners, adhesives paints, markers electric motor (1.5-3 volts) rechargeable batteries photo-voltaic cells assorted electrical components wheels gears, pulleys assorted hand tools assorted power tools

Constraints: A list of tasks to be performed or parameters that must be adhered to during the course of the design problem. 1. Apply and Document the problem solving and critical thinking processes used to solve, design and plan and produce your electric vehicle in a Design Portfolio. 2. Apply and Document math and science processes and skills used to solve, design, plan and produce your electric vehicle in a Design Portfolio. 3. Use modeling materials to construct an operational model of your electric vehicle. 4. Your model should not exceed 12 inches in any dimension. 5. Complete the Design Challenge and Design Portfolio within 8 class periods.

Evaluation Summary: A summary of how the student will be evaluated with a list of expectations that defines what the student needs to accomplish to successfully completes the challenge. 1. Complete the Design Problem Portfolio including the evaluation feedback. 2. Write a 500-word scenario describing & assessing the social and economic impact of electrical vehicles on the environment and on the production of automobiles. 3. Present and demonstrate your completed solar electrical vehicle design to the class, identifying unique features, and user considerations.

CTSDE Technology Education Model Curriculum Draft: 4/6/18