Posted on by goHunterdon

School Year Ends with “Electric Vehicle Challenge” Races

goHunterdon’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge program engages students to learn about alternative energy and electric vehicles. Students learn about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and how electric vehicles offer an alternative to the traditional combustion engine used in many cars. The EV Challenge is an environmental education program that aligns with STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Over the course of several months, students participate in interactive lessons on Greenhouse Gases, Vehicle Emissions, Alternative/Green Energy Sources, Aerodynamics, Gears and Gear Ratios, Basics of Design, Building and Testing a Prototype Vehicle, and Speed.

For many of my students, the EV Challenge was the only hands on project they got to do this year.

This project provided us with a sense of normalcy and fit perfectly with my curriculum. Thank you!

~ Hunterdon teacher

Students then work to transform a few components including a motor, wheels, axles, and a battery pack into a unique and functioning model race car. Beyond these materials, students may use anything they like to build their vehicle.

In spite of COVID19 challenges and varying learning models, approximately 500 middle school students at eight (8) schools participated in the EV Challenge this school year.

  1. Alexandria Middle School
  2. Califon Public School
  3. High Bridge Middle School
  4. Immaculate Conception School
  5. Kingwood Township School
  6. Reading Fleming Intermediate
  7. Readington Middle School
  8. Woodglen School

goHunterdon staff provided lessons remotely via Zoom and Google Classroom, delivered build kits to schools, and developed “Lessons in a Box” for teachers to use.

goHunterdon conducted in person races for three (3) schools and delivered race equipment for a fourth school to conduct their own race:

  • High Bridge Middle School
  • Immaculate Conception School
  • Kingwood Township School
  • Woodglen School

The EV Challenge would not be possible without funding from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and the generosity of program sponsors Altech Corp., ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, and Green Power Energy.

For more information on goHunterdon’s EV Challenge program: https://www.gohunterdon.org/sustainable-hunterdon/ev-challenge