FAIL! Using the Engineering Design Process to Design an Electric Vehicle STEM Integrated Project
This unit uses the engineering design process (EDP) to design and build a battery powered go-kart, bicycle, or boat or some other large scale CTE project. In the CTE course, the students choose their project and establish their path throughout the remainder of the course. Introduction to the EDP uses case studies in engineering failures to help reinforce excellence in process and assists in the selection of key components project based activity.
In addition to the CTE/STEM focus of the unit/project lessons, educators will find academic lessons in Chemistry that supplement the primary core area of study.
A key safety concern in this project is the danger involved with the handling, use, and maintenance of lead-acid batteries. The chemistry and safety of batteries is explained and reinforced in both the CTE and supporting academic core science courses.
The structure of this unit and the materials contained within it were created by Eric Johnson (CTE) and Angie Friedrich (chemistry) with support from the CTE Online curriculum leadership team and detailed coordination provided by the Course Specialist Robert Kuintzle.
