EV Challenge Resources and Support for Teachers

2. Menu A.How To Begin B.Students C.School Support D.Building an EV E.Event Preparations F.Beyond the 1st Year Home

3. EV Challenge Resources Team Teaching Administrative Support Community Involvement Curriculum Integration Finding Funding Physical Resources A. How To Begin Home Back to Menu Previous

4. The first step in implementing the EV Challenge is to study and make use of the program’s resources: * Review the EV Challenge video and the curriculum materials. * Visit http://www.evchallengekids.org and read the Vehicle Specifications, Rules of Competition, and additional documents and forms. * Contact the program coordinator to discuss any questions you may have. * Participate in Teacher Training Webinars throughout the school year. * Visit a participating school and attend an EV Challenge event to see the electric vehicles and talk to students and teachers. EV Challenge Resources "One of the smartest things we did when we got involved in EV education was to visit a veteran high school program and attend an event.” Lowell Simmons Automotive Instructor Many resources are available to help teachers implement the program. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

5. Throughout the school year, EV Challenge staff will lead teacher training webinars online. Each webinar will feature a different topic such as: * Fundraising Skills and Resources * How to Lighten Your Load as an EV Instructor * Lithium Ion Batteries * Safety First * Autocross Basics When appropriate, students may also be invited to participate in webinars. Teacher Training Webinars A series of webinars will promote interaction between instructors. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

6. One primary objective of any beginning EV Challenge teacher should be to create a team of teachers that will be responsible for implementing the variety of EV Challenge activities. Dividing the EV Challenge’s tasks among multiple faculty members will strengthen your program, promote teacher morale, and lighten the load on any one individual. Prospective EV Challenge teachers should enjoy working as part of a team, have plenty of energy, be invigorated by competition, and be willing and able to integrate the program into their classes. Introduce your colleagues to the program using the EV Challenge video and the program’s web site. If possible, have a group of teachers visit a participating school or an EV Challenge event to view the vehicles and meet students and teachers. “Together as a team [of teachers] we brought together the entire project. We divvied everything up.” Joan E Robinson Math Instructor Team Teaching The EV Challenge is best implemented by a team of teachers. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

7. As a teacher, you know the rich educational experience that the EV Challenge will provide to your students. However, this program won’t work unless you have the support of your administration. Administrators want to make sure that the program reinforces existing educational objectives and supports the school’s goals. You must be able to explain how the EV Challenge does this and much more. With your administrators’ support, you’ll be better prepared to approach community members for assistance, have your teaching schedule adjusted appropriately, and acquire financial assistance through your department’s budget. “We’ve been able to draw those teachers together in planning, in building the master schedule so that some of the same kids that are taking physics can be involved in auto mechanics, can be involved in drafting, in various different subjects.” Eric Pierce Principal Administrative Support Administrative support is essential to implementing the EV Challenge. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

8. In addition to the support of your administration, you’ll need the community to rally behind your program. The community can help your program with financial assistance, valuable services and supplies. You’ll best gain their support by having students make presentations at public gatherings, displaying your vehicle (both before and after conversion), and involving the local press. The EV Challenge provides curriculum activities that help your students gain community support. Your students will also earn School Initiative Points for displaying their vehicle, making public presentations, and participating in other community based activities. As a result of your school’s interactions with the community, your program will gain the support it needs and your community will learn about the benefits of clean, efficient transportation. Each year, students at the average EV Challenge school: * Display their vehicle to the public 6 times. * Make 5 public presentations. * Get 4 stories about their program in the local press. Community Involvement Community support is essential to implementing the program. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

9. One of the goals of the EV Challenge is to integrate the program into the school’s curriculum. While some schools do this by creating a specific electric vehicle course, most schools incorporate the program into existing classes. For example, English classes typically develop public presentations and newspaper articles. Auto mechanics and electronics students often do much of the work on the car. Science classes study the physics involved and the environmental impact of transportation. Computer and applied technology classes create web pages. By integrating the program into the school’s existing classes, a maximum number of students and teachers are able to get involved in the EV Challenge. Curriculum Integration The EV Challenge provides educational activities that supplements existing courses. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

10. While starting an EV program costs several thousand dollars, any school that is dedicated to the task will find success. In fact, many of the EV Challenge’s most successful schools are in low-income areas. Successful fundraising programs have the following elements in common: the involvement of the press, appropriate promotional information, multiple public presentations, and a specific funding goal. Be sure to develop a relationship with your school system’s community relations director – this person can help in your efforts. “What we try to do is to promote getting as many businesses as possible associated with the EV Challenge. One way we do that is we show the vehicle a lot in this county. Students take the vehicles out, we target a lot of shows, open houses, and also basically any business that would be willing to let us show it.” Jeff Coleman Instructor Finding Funding Any school that is dedicated to obtaining funding will find success. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

11. If your school does not have an automotive program, you will need to have access to: * A dedicated garage or lab space * Tools and safety equipment to work on the vehicle * Computers, internet access, and phone availability * A truck and trailer to haul the vehicle. Often schools rely on their community to provide resources that they lack. Physical Resources While some schools all have the resources needed to implement the program, it is common for schools to rely on their community for help. Home Back to Menu How to Begin Previous

12. Educational Value Recruitment Leadership Sportsmanship Into the Community B. Students Home Back to Menu Previous

13. It is the teacher’s responsibility to guide and support students in the completion of EV Challenge activities. While some specialized tasks (machining, welding, etc.) may have to be completed by an adult, students should obviously do as much of the work as possible. EV Challenge teachers must constantly try to find the right balance between assisting students and allowing them to pursue a task unaided. Only through trial-and-error will students learn the valuable lessons that the program can provide. One of the keys to involving students is to reach them early in the school year. The sooner that students begin to learn skills such as Web site design, troubleshooting, and public speaking, the easier it will be for them to complete EV Challenge activities without adult assistance. “I’ve learned real-life problem solving. . I found out, if it’s not right the first time, you try until it is.” Shelley Pickett EV Challenge Student "I had discovered that learning something, no matter how complex, wasn't hard when I had a reason to want to know it." The Rocket Boys Educational Value A primary role as an EV Challenge teacher is to be a guide to your students. Home Back to Menu Students Previous

14. One of the goals of the EV Challenge is to provide a large number of students from a variety of classes with opportunities to participate in the program. However, it is important that a core group of students be recruited that will take responsibility for implementing the overall program. Try to recruit students who have a strong interest in auto mechanics, science, the environment, computers, marketing, engineering, journalism and speech. Seek a wide variety of skills, interests and backgrounds. Ideally you should recruit students that are representative of your school’s population. Use the EV Challenge video to introduce the program and, if possible, have a teacher and students from an existing EV Challenge school demonstrate their vehicle and describe their program to your students. “I’ve seen this program bring together class valedictorians and those students that aren’t recognized for their academic skills – and they learn from one another.” John Parker School Superintendent Recruitment Recruit students who reflect your school’s population. Home Back to Menu Students Previous

15. Encourage the development of student leaders who take responsibility to develop the program. As these students attempt to coordinate the efforts of a diverse group of their peers, there will be ample opportunity for you to help them hone their leadership skills. You may want to provide them with official titles such as “crew chief,” “marketing director,” and “finance officer.” Encourage your students to do great things! “In addition to the organization, leadership, public relations, and mechanical skills that I learned, I also developed a sense of self-confidence and pride as a student.” Shelley Mendez EV Program Alumnus Leadership Student leaders are vital to the EV Challenge program. Home Back to Menu Students Previous

16. You should encourage your students to practice excellent sportsmanship both before and during an EV Challenge event. This is best done by modeling good sportsmanship yourself. For example: * Support the efforts of students from every school * Compete fairly within the rules * Teach your students how to win and lose gracefully * Prepare your students for disqualifications and mishaps that may occur. Armed with good sportsmanship skills, all of your students will leave an event feeling like winners. Sportsmanship You should model good sportsmanship skills for your students. Home Back to Menu Students Previous

17. One of the students’ most valuable EV Challenge experiences is educating the community about electric vehicles. By teaching others, students develop better technical knowledge and tremendous self-confidence. For example, students can: * Make presentations for local schools, businesses, civic groups, and elected officials * Perform environmentally-friendly projects such as trash pick-ups and water quality monitoring * Show their vehicle at fairs, parades and businesses * Conduct press conferences and write news articles. Through these and other activities, students educate the public and become involved with their community. “Every time we share our cars with elementary students, the kids look at us in amazement that ordinary cars can be turned into electric vehicles. We even play a little game with them. We tell them to find the exhaust pipe on the car. All of them rush to find it and after a minute or two of searching for it one kid always says, ‘Hey, there is no exhaust pipe.’” Latoya Edwards EV Challenge Student Into the Community Students benefit greatly when they present the EV program to their community. Home Back to Menu Students Previous

18. Official Web Site EV Challenge Staff Curriculum EV Challenge Video Vendor Sponsorship Fellow Teachers Mobile Classroom C. School Support Home Back to Menu Previous

19. The EV Challenge maintains a Web site to keep everyone up-to-date with the latest program information. At http://www.evchallengekids.orgyou will find: * The latest program rules and vehicle specifications * A calendar of events * Important forms and scoresheets * Photos of students and vehicles * Links to school web sites * Event results * A program summary * A variety of other helpful information. Successful high school programs thoroughly understand the latest rules and vehicle specifications found on the web site. Official Web Site If you haven’t visited http://www.evchallengekids.org yet, do so immediately! Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

20. One of the primary responsibilities of the EV Challenge staff is to provide you, the teacher, with guidance and support as you implement your program. Staff members have extensive experience in the electric vehicle education field and can provide you with a lot of practical help. And, if they can’t help you, they probably know someone who can. Don’t hesitate to contact them about any of your concerns or questions. EV Challenge Staff The EV Challenge staff is always available to assist you. Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

21. The EV Challenge provides curriculum that includes: * An EV Technology Course outline and test. This outline was approved by the state of North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction and is helpful in organizing a teacher’s educational program. * An electric vehicle maintenance curriculum and PowerPoint slides. Developed by York Technical College and the Electric Vehicle Research Network, this curriculum provides teachers with a wealth of educational materials. * EV Challenge-specific lessons to aid teachers in the implementation of EV Challenge activities. * A set of cross-referenced educational standards. V _ + Curriculum Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

22. The EV Challenge introduction video is an awesome, motivational tool to help your team promote and “sell” your program to educational administrators, sponsors and potential donors. Take the time to view and share this 3 minute video here: http://www.evchallengekids.org/video/ EV Challenge Video The EV Challenge video is one of the most useful tools to educate others about the program. Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

23. Through the EV Challenge’s Vendor Sponsorship Program, schools are able to obtain discounts on a variety of electric vehicle components. These discounts are available only to EV Challenge schools. Your school will be provided with an updated Vendor Sponsorship package at the beginning of every school year. By taking advantage of the opportunities in the Vendor Sponsorship program, a school can save over $$$ on the costs of an electric vehicle conversion project. Vendor Sponsorship Vendor Sponsorship can greatly reduce a school’s EV building costs. Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

24. Your fellow teachers at other EV Challenge schools are one of your best resources. Despite some of the competitive aspects of the program, EV Challenge teachers are quick to lend each other a hand. Although schools are encouraged to solve the problems associated with implementing an EV program themselves, a phone call, e-mail or visit to another school can go a long way toward helping you get through a specific problem. You might even find them willing to loan you a needed piece of equipment as well as good advice. Fellow Teachers Bravely going where others have been before… Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

25. The EV Challenge’s Mobile Classroom is a 24-foot retrofitted vehicle transporter that features informational displays, an interactive electric vehicle component board, an EV Challenge video, and a student-converted electric vehicle. The Classroom is towed by a Chevrolet Sierra 2500 bi-fuel pickup designed to operate on gasoline or compressed natural gas. Having the Mobile Classroom visit your school is an excellent way of generating support for your program. Contact the EV Challenge staff to learn of its availability. Mobile Classroom The Mobile Classroom is one of the nation’s premier EV education displays. Home Back to Menu School Support Previous

26. Project Management Safety Design Objective Vehicle Selection Legal Concerns Component Choices Technical Inspection Resources D. Building an EV Home Back to Menu Previous

27. Building an electric vehicle is one thing. Supervising a group of students building an electric vehicle is another! The success of the project hinges on your ability to help students manage their work. A well-run project will contain: * A timeline and corresponding construction goals * A task list and the names of students responsible for each task * A schedule of regular and frequent work times * A project binder or file box that keeps all written materials well-organized * A complete wiring diagram before you begin wiring * Multiple student inspectors to double and triple-check that good workmanship and safe practices are followed. Make sure that your students get your vehicle running at least one month prior to a scheduled event. You will need the time to make adjustments and to cycle your batteries, as well as to give your students the opportunity to gain experience behind the wheel. Project Management Good management is key to your project’s success. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

28. When building an electric vehicle, standard classroom and shop safety procedures should be followed. Safety goggles, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, orderliness and mature behavior are some of the important ingredients. In addition, students should be especially familiar with the safety issues associated with batteries, electricity and full-size vehicles. While at an EV Challenge event, be sure that your students follow the safety guidelines as put forth by you and the event officials. The Electric Vehicle program is dedicated to the safety of the students. You should practice and review safety standards with your students. Safe practices around batteries in an EV are similar to those used around the starter battery in a conventional vehicle. Safety glasses or (preferably) goggles should be worn; only insulated tools should be used; nothing should be laid on a battery; contact with the electrolyte should be avoided, etc. Safety First and foremost, every effort should be made to develop and adhere to sound safety practices. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

29. It is the design objective of the EV Challenge to have schools build street-legal vehicles that have the same functionality and stock appearance as the original vehicles. This applies to the interior as well as the exterior of the EV. The converted vehicle should weigh no more than the manufacturers Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), often found on the door jamb. The finished conversions should be functional, safe, attractive and innovative. The mechanical and electrical workmanship should be of high quality as possible. The vehicle should perform well in the driving sections of the competition. The competitive component of the EV Challenge includes a vehicle design competition. Please refer to the Web site for this year’s rules and design event judging forms. Design Objective Although the design objective is to build stock appearing vehicles with the same functionality as the original gasoline vehicle, the EV Challenge allows veteran schools to modify their vehicles significantly. Refer to the latest EV Challenge Vehicle Specifications for more information. EV Challenge students strive for professionalism in the design, function, and performance of the vehicle. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

30. Selecting a vehicle to convert is one of the most important decisions that you and your students will make. Your decision will affect your program for years. Before you begin the selection process, be sure to read the following two documents, the current “EV Challenge Vehicle Specifications” on the Web site. This document should answer many of your questions. Also browse the “EV Photo Album” to obtain ideas of possible vehicle options. Once a vehicle is selected, notify the EV Challenge staff immediately to make absolutely sure that the vehicle fits within the guidelines. It is important for the learning experience that students grapple with all aspects of converting the vehicle to electric. Resist the temptation to choose a vehicle simply because it is being successfully used by another school. Likewise, do not copy another school’s conversion. Vehicle Selection Be sure to read the latest “Vehicle Specifications” and “What Vehicle Should We Convert?” before you begin your vehicle selection process. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

31. All EV Challenge vehicles must be legally able to operate on public roads. You will need to decide in whose name the electric vehicle will be titled (probably the school’s or school district’s). The vehicle must, of course, be covered by liability insurance. This, too, is usually provided under the school district’s policy. The vehicle must have a current state inspection sticker. If your state does not require safety inspection, you must be able to prove to EV Challenge officials that the vehicle is legal to drive on the roads in your state. Be sure to take care of these legal issues as early in the conversion process as possible. Don’t wait until the last moment. Legal Concerns Having a street-legal EV makes outreach efforts much easier! Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

32. The motor, controller, batteries and charger form the core of an EV, not to mention its major expense. Before you and your students order these and other components, review the EV Challenge Vehicle Specifications to make sure that the components fit within the guidelines. Component selection is often a matter of personal preference. Talk to several experienced people to get their recommendations. Once you’ve compiled a list of components, share the list with the EV Challenge staff to get further input. Be sure to visit the EV Challenge Web site to review the latest data sheet on EV Challenge vehicles. Remember to review your Vendor Sponsorship package to learn about special component discounts. Be sure to note any ordering deadlines. Component Choices You and your students should review your component list with the EV Challenge staff prior to placing your orders. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

33. Each time your school participates in an EV Challenge event, the vehicle will undergo a technical inspection. The inspection is intended to ensure the safety of the vehicle’s driver and all of the event’s participants. The inspection will be conducted using check sheets that may be found on the EV Challenge Web site. These sheets are closely correlated to the official Vehicle Specifications, also found on the Web site. Students should perform their own technical inspection on the vehicle at least one week prior to arriving at an EV Challenge event. Technical Inspection Your students should make sure that their vehicle conforms to the Official Vehicle Specifications and the technical inspection check sheets. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

34. Resources Although many thousands of vehicles have been converted to electric in the US over the last decade, there is no cookbook approach to building a vehicle. Each vehicle presents its own unique issues and separate decisions. Having the right resources to help you through the process is essential. The EV Challenge can provide you with an excellent resource list that will help you to identify the correct people, books, videos and Web sites to get you and your students going. Home Back to Menu Building an EV Previous

35. Field Trip Policy Release Forms Chaperones Transportation Lodging Itinerary Vehicle Charging Contingencies E. Event Preparations Home Back to Menu Previous

36. In many ways, taking a group of students to an EV event is like any other field trip. Know your school’s policies and follow them carefully. Make your request to attend an event well ahead of time. Prepare lesson plans and arrange for substitutes earlier than you might normally, as things often get hectic as the event draws near. Make sure that you’ve lined up chaperones, transportation, truck and trailer, and lodging. Be sure to take along emergency contact information for your students and school. Remember that students may need to get teachers’ signatures before being allowed to miss classes. Develop a checklist for attending an event. It should include everything that you need to do in preparation for the trip. This checklist can then be used for almost any EV trip. Include names, phone numbers, and a timeline. Field Trip Policy Good organization is essential for successful participation in EV Challenge events. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

37. It is mandatory that every participant complete the appropriate EV Challenge release forms for each event. These forms are located on the EV Challenge web site. It is advisable that these forms be turned in to you several days ahead of time. Maintain a checklist of all forms and make sure that they are in your possession when departing for an event. Some schools have additional waivers that must be signed by parents and students. Among these may be a safety contract for team members and a “permission to drive the vehicle in competition” waiver. Release Forms All EV Challenge release forms can be downloaded from the Web site. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

38. In addition to the teachers who lead an EV trip, other adult chaperones are usually needed. Look for individuals who command the respect of the students, relate well to teenagers and handle themselves in a mature and appropriate manner. Whenever possible, seek out people who are interested in the EV program and are willing to participate as needed. They should also be resourceful and flexible about last-minute scheduling changes. Look for chaperones among parents, teachers, sponsors, engineers and EV enthusiasts. Remember that you will need to arrange for both male and female chaperones according to the makeup of your student group. Chaperones Good chaperones add immeasurably to the students’ experience. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

39. In the rush to get a vehicle and a group of students ready for an event, the logistics of transportation are often overlooked. Make sure that you have an adequate number of vehicles and drivers to transport students, teachers, chaperones, luggage, and your school’s vehicle to an event. Remember that you will also need to transport tools, equipment, spare parts and supplies. If the event is close enough to your school, you can simply drive your electric vehicle to the site. Most often, however, it must be towed. Most schools use a dolly or a car-hauling trailer. Take care to ensure that the trailer (or dolly) and the towing vehicle are suitable and properly equipped for the task. The EV must be carefully loaded and secured. Remember that an EV is a heavy vehicle, and should be towed by a skilled driver. Arranging for someone to haul your school’s vehicle is an often-overlooked task. Be sure to get a hauling arrangement organized at least one month prior to the event date (and have a back-up plan!). Transportation Don’t overlook the logistics of transportation. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

40. Reserve hotel rooms as soon as you are reasonably sure that your school will be able to attend an event. Don’t wait until your group’s roster is absolutely firm, but instead reserve enough rooms to meet the needs of the largest likely number. If event organizers have negotiated for a discount rate at a certain hotel, remember to identify your school as part of the group. It is your responsibility to ensure that students behave well and respect the property of the motel and the rights of other guests to a quiet, restful night. Choose your students and chaperones carefully. Inform them of your expectations, and hold students responsible for their actions. If you have worries about a specific student’s behavior, warn him or her directly. Anyone who acts inappropriately at an event should not be allowed on future trips. For any trip, students must be carefully chosen, instructed and supervised. Lodging Make lodging arrangements well in advance. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

41. Creating an itinerary for an EV trip is an excellent way of communicating necessary information with administrators, students, parents, chaperones, and others who might need to know the plans. The itinerary should include: * The name and location of the event * The hotel’s name, address and phone numbers * A time schedule for departure and return * All emergency contact and cell phone numbers * The event schedule * An estimation of trip costs for each student Make enough copies so that students can leave one with their families and have one along on the trip. For convenience, the necessary forms, directions and maps can be attached to the itinerary. Depending on the trip, a list of suggested clothing and gear might also be added. Itinerary A well-organized itinerary eases the concerns of all involved. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

42. Make sure that you arrive at an event with your vehicle fully charged. While at an event the EV Challenge tries to help schools identify charging sources, however it is the schools’ responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are properly charged. Students should have plenty of experience with their charger prior to an event. You don’t want to find out that your charger doesn’t work once you arrive. Be sure to bring properly sized extension cords. Most hotels will allow your team to charge your vehicle overnight using their outdoor outlets. Be sure to run your power cords safely to minimize the dangers of tripping and electrical shock. Monitor your charge occasionally to ensure that your vehicle is charging properly. If you use a generator, operate it in a safe and courteous manner. If possible, charge your batteries before the trip home. A battery’s life is decreased when left in a discharged state. Charging an electric vehicle properly is critical to its performance. To assist you, the EV Challenge has provided you with the “Batteries 101” resource document to help you understand battery chemistries. Vehicle Charging Students need lots of experience charging their vehicle prior to an event. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

43. When taking your students to an EV event, have them prepare a contingency plan. Where can parts be purchased if the vehicle has mechanical or electrical problems? Where are the nearest electrical and electronics stores located? Have students identify local dealers, suppliers, and mechanics who specialize in your make of vehicle. Find out which schools are using the same components as your EV. Try to find a garage within easy driving distance that you could use in case something breaks. Do the same for welding and machine shops. Remember that you might need similar information and support for your towing vehicle and trailer. “We once broke a half shaft at an event with only 4 hours before the next event. The students located a shaft by cell phone, picked it up half way across the city and installed it in time.” Byron Humphries Instructor Contingencies Expect the unexpected: have contingency plans for a variety of scenarios. Home Back to Menu Event Preparations Previous

44. Evaluation Planning Session Using Your Vehicle Vehicle Improvement Expressing Appreciation F. Beyond the 1st Year Home Back to Menu Previous

45. Near the end of each school year, review your program with your student leaders. This is especially important to do every year because some of your student leaders will be graduating and taking their valuable knowledge and skills with them. Evaluate how well your program is meeting the key goals of the EV Challenge: Have you involved multiple classes and teachers? Are you effectively using EV Challenge activities to meet your school’s educational goals? Do you have a group of committed community volunteers and supporters? Is there a sound fundraising strategy in place? How can you improve your school’s participation in the competition? Use your answers to these questions to help plan for the coming year. Evaluation Evaluate your program on regular basis. Home Back to Menu Beyond the 1st Year Previous

46. At the beginning of every school year, conduct a planning session with the program’s leaders. Try to answer questions such as: How will the EV Challenge be used throughout the curriculum? Who will be responsible for what? How will the community be involved? What is your budget? How will students new to the program be trained on the vehicle, program history, the rules of competition, fundraising, etc.? Be sure to involve as many teachers as possible in your planning session! This will not only take the load off of any one teacher, but your program will be stronger and more students will benefit. Delegate as many leadership tasks as possible to students. This may sound obvious, but teachers are often tempted to do work that students are capable of doing. Resisting that temptation will benefit your students. Important aspects of planning are: * Prioritizing activities * Delegating responsibilities * Creating a timeline * Budgeting carefully Planning Session Use your prior year’s evaluation to assist you in planning. Home Back to Menu Beyond the 1st Year Previous

47. Your school is now the proud owner of an awesome electric vehicle. Now what? Use it! The EV Challenge provides schools with many incentives for students to use their vehicle. Through the EV Challenge School Initiative activity, students are awarded points for a variety of activities. These may include providing rides, demonstrating the vehicle to local schools, driving it in parades and displaying it at school events and local businesses. By showing off your school’s vehicle, students gain confidence and experience in their interactions with the public. Earn School Initiative points by participating in such activities as: *  Drive in a parade -- 2 pts. *  Travel to a school and make a presentation -- 3 pts. *  Display the vehicle at a school event -- 2 pts. *  Participate in a Sports Car Club event -- 3 pts. See the current School Initiative form for more details Using Your Vehicle Earn School Initiative points for getting out and about in your EV Home Back to Menu Beyond the 1st Year Previous

48. During the process of converting your vehicle from gas to electric, generating student excitement is not difficult. But what about when the vehicle is completed? How will next year’s students respond to working on a vehicle built by last year’s group? Successful EV Challenge teams tackle this issue by continuing to take apart, redesign, and rebuild their vehicles. Encourage your students to review your vehicle’s past competitive performance and develop strategies for improvement. In these ways, students new to the program gain pride, ownership and technical skill while continuing to improve the vehicle. Vehicle Improvement Challenge your students to: * Redesign parts * Improve the workmanship * Add safety features * Improve battery life * Reduce electrical, rolling, aerodynamic resistance * Acquire vehicle data. Your school’s EV is never finished. Home Back to Menu Beyond the 1st Year Previous

49. The end of the year is a good time for your students to thank those individuals, businesses and school personnel whose support of your EV Challenge program made it all possible. A call, letter or visit from your students can go a long way toward expressing their appreciation for donation of time, money, supplies, expertise and guidance. A picture of the students with their electric vehicle and a statement of how much they benefited from the experience is always valued by sponsors. Encourage your students to also express their thanks to the program-wide EV Challenge sponsors. Expressing Appreciation Thank You Have your students express to the sponsors how meaningful the experience was for them. Home Back to Menu Beyond the 1st Year Previous

50. Good luck to you and your students as you implement the EV Challenge! Don’t hesitate to contact the EV Challenge staff if you have any questions. Home Back to Menu Previous