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Development of a Battery Powered Vehicle Model for Integration into Elementary School Science Curricula

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Conference

2024 ASEE-GSW

Location

Canyon, Texas

Publication Date

March 10, 2024

Start Date

March 10, 2024

End Date

March 12, 2024

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

12

DOI

10.18260/1-2--45372

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/45372

Download Count

99

Paper Authors

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David Andrew Yu The University of Texas at San Antonio

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Cynthia Lima

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Cynthia Lima is an assistant professor of STEM Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her research focuses on promoting science learning through scientific inquiry and equitable assessments to prepare the next generation of culturally and linguistically diverse STEM professionals.

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Nikolaos Gatsis The University of Texas at San Antonio

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Nikolaos Gatsis received a Diploma degree (Hons.) in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Patras, Patras, Greece, in 2005 and a M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering in 2010 and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering with a minor in mathematics in 2012 from the University of Minnesota. He is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he is also the GreenStar Endowed Professor in Energy. His research focuses on optimal and secure operation of smart power grids and other critical infrastructures, including water distribution networks and the Global Positioning System. Dr. Gatsis is a recipient of the NSF CAREER award and the UTSA President’s Award for Research.

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Melissa Sanabia The University of Texas at San Antonio

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Abstract

The present article documents the development of a battery powered vehicle model suitable for integration into science related curricula in elementary schools. The build is motivated by the documented need to integrate engineering concepts into elementary school curricula. The objective is to create an activity that develops connections between real-world phenomena and engineering concepts and elicits intentional interactions from elementary school students. The work in this article is the outcome of collaboration between engineering undergraduate students and faculty with education faculty. The specific model is intended to teach concepts related to electric circuits, energy conversion, and, more broadly, transportation electrification. The design criteria are outlined next. (1) The design is low-cost and accessible; (2) the design must be safe and not include potentially hazardous items; (3) the kit is amenable for building without special tools; (4) the design integrates well with teaching of relevant electric circuits and energy conversion concepts; and (5) the build can be easily performed at scale, for instance, simultaneously by a cohort of 25 students. The selection of materials (including base, wheels, motor, and pulleys) and the process of ensuring proper fit is documented. The kit is approximately 10 cm by 9 cm. The development of build instructions and documentation of common issues and recommended fixes are presented as well. Experiences and feedback from implementation of the model in an elementary school in Texas during regular class time are thoroughly discussed. Pointers to further enhancements of the model are provided as well, where the objective would be to enable model modifications interpretable by engineering concepts.

Yu, D. A., & Lima, C., & Gatsis, N., & Sanabia, M. (2024, March), Development of a Battery Powered Vehicle Model for Integration into Elementary School Science Curricula Paper presented at 2024 ASEE-GSW, Canyon, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--45372

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