Engineering for Sustainability:
Future Transportation and Power Grid

Revolutionizing the way our roadways and power grid integrate is at the heart of the ASPIRE Engineering Research Center.

The aim of ASPIRE is to create a transportation network that wirelessly charges all sizes of electric vehicles (EVs) through innovative grid-connected pavements.

The benefits of ASPIRE include reducing emissions, improving air quality, and equitable access to EVs and fast charging infrastructure for all.

K-12 Lesson Activity Pairs:

  • Air Quality-Climate-Transportation Connections Curricula

Creative Engineering Design High School Course:

  • Modules 1 & 2: Design Challenges and Intro to Engineering Design Process
  • Modules 3 & 4: Mousetrap Car Introductory Design Individual Project
  • Modules 5 & 6: Intro to CAD & Electronics Workshops and Environmental Justice Case Studies
  • Modules 7-12: Model EV Design-Build-Test Final Design Team Project and Design Expo

What is ASPIRE?

Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) is a National Science Foundation funded project to transform our transportation and grid systems.

ASPIRE’s vision is to eliminate range and charging as barriers to electric vehicle use. Solutions include wireless and plug-in charging system that are integrated into roadways, parking, and the grid. ASPIRE is preparing the workforce and communities of the future to understand, operate within, and design for sustainable electric infrastructure.

Explore ASPIRE Engineering Curricula:

K-2 Resources

Air Quality and Transportation:

  • Cars and Air Quality Connections
    Cars and Air Quality Connections

    preview of 'Cars and Air Quality Connections' Lesson

    This lesson introduces students to the concepts of air pollution from transportation and related health effects, plus vehicle solutions to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

  • Air Quality and Particulate Matter
    Air Quality and Particulate Matter

    preview of 'Air Quality and Particulate Matter' Activity

    This activity introduces students to the relationship between air quality and wind. Students work together to learn about the color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) chart that describes levels of air pollution for a primary transportation-sourced air pollutant—particulate matter (PM)— and what to do du...

Climate Change and Transportation:

  • Climate Change and Cars (K-2)
    Climate Change and Cars (K-2)

    preview of 'Climate Change and Cars (K-2)' Lesson

    Students learn about climate change and what affects it. Students learn a basic understanding of the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, global warming, and how transportation can contribute to global warming. Students work together to understand how various forms of transportation have costs and b...

  • Carbon Emissions: Carl’s Carbon!
    Carbon Emissions: Carl’s Carbon!

    preview of 'Carbon Emissions: Carl’s Carbon!' Activity

    This activity introduces students to the concepts of climate change and what affects it. Students work together to understand how various forms of transportation have costs and benefits, and which modes of transportation are better for the environment.

3-5 Resources

Air Quality and Transportation:

  • Internal Combustion Engine, Electric Vehicles & Air Quality Connections
    Internal Combustion Engine, Electric Vehicles & Air Quality Connections

    preview of 'Internal Combustion Engine, Electric Vehicles & Air Quality Connections' Lesson

    This lesson introduces students to the concepts of air pollution from transportation and related health effects, plus vehicle solutions to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

  • Air Quality and Weather Connections
    Air Quality and Weather Connections

    preview of 'Air Quality and Weather Connections' Activity

    Students will explore the pattern between air pollution levels and weather conditions in this activity. Students work together to learn about the color-coded Air Quality Index (AQI) chart that describes levels of air pollution for two main transportation-sourced air pollutants—particulate matter (PM...

Climate Change and Transportation:

  • Climate Change and Cars (3-5)
    Climate Change and Cars (3-5)

    preview of 'Climate Change and Cars (3-5)' Lesson

    Students learn the concepts of climate change and how cars can contribute to climate change. Students learn the basics of the greenhouse effect and the carbon cycle. They also learn how transportation affects our atmosphere. Students work together to understand how various forms of transportation ha...

  • Carbon Emissions: Pardon My Carbon!
    Carbon Emissions: Pardon My Carbon!

    preview of 'Carbon Emissions: Pardon My Carbon!' Activity

    This activity introduces students to the concepts of climate change and how cars can contribute to it. Students work together to understand how various forms of transportation have costs and benefits, and which modes of transportation are better for the environment.

Middle School resources are coming soon!

This content is a part of ASPIRE's Creative Engineering Design Curriculum, which is currently in the pilot phase, and is only available to pre-authorized educators. Public availability is planned for the 2023 school year.

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