Visit the VTrans website for more information.
Introduce your students to the world of transportation.
We know there’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to teaching students about transportation. That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite educational resources for you to access. Below, you’ll find PowerPoint presentations, helpful links, and lots of lesson plans.
Happy teaching!
Vermont bridge PowerPoints
Explore bridge construction in Vermont with these helpful presentations:
- Bridge Construction: Learn about bridge construction in this PowerPoint presentation (includes audio).
- Uncommon Bridges in Vermont: Explore Vermont’s unique bridges. Includes features (includes audio).
STEM websites
Check out these handy STEM education links:
- STEMPilot: Explore curriculum that will help students understand the engineering, science, physics, and math in aviation.
- iTeachU: Learn how interactive simulations can enhance STEM learning.
Transportation curriculum units for grades 6–12
Below, you’ll find a series of grades 6–12 curriculum units that introduce students to the transportation industry. Students will explore career opportunities, as well as the skills and concepts needed to succeed in this field.
With many industries competing for student interest, these materials are designed to promote a pipeline of students interested in entering the transportation field. The materials address the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL) cluster standards and appropriate academic standards. This content will enable teachers to expand, enhance, and reinforce academic content and, as a result, improve transportation education as well as academic achievement.
Alternative Fuels
This module presents four activities that address how alternative fuels are used for transportation. In the final activity the students will develop a list of driving behaviors and vehicle maintenance strategies that optimize fuel usage. The entire module can be taught in 19 50-minute class periods and the lessons can also be taught independent of each other.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Science, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Where Does Power Come From?, What is “Carbon Neutral”?, Fuel Energy Ratios, Designing an Environmentally Friendly Car
Alternative Power, Energy and Fuels
This module provides students the opportunity to explore career options in the areas of alternative power and energy. During the five 50-minute class sessions they will build a solar car.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Science, Science-Physics, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Alternative Power, Energy and Fuels
Can You Dig It?
This a problem-solving activity consisting of seven lessons to be taught in approximately ten 50 minute class periods. This module has many hands-on components to help students understand the importance and relationship of archeology careers and the transportation industry.
Grade Level(s): 6-8
Subject(s): Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts
Pathway: Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Lessons: What is Archaeology?, Artifact Day, A Day in the Field, Dig Boxes, Extensions and Conclusions, Creating an Exhibit, Archeological Careers in Transportation
CDL Exploration
This module will provide students an opportunity to explore CDL licensing. Types of CDLs as well as certification, training, and hours of service will also be discussed.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, SpecEd
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Department of Transportation
This module provides students with an opportunity to learn about careers in a number of local, state and national agencies involved in the transportation, distribution and logistics industry.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, SpecEd
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Different Bicycles for Different Needs
Students will learn about various types of bicycles used for different purposes. In the final activity, students will develop requirements and design a bicycle that will meet a specific requirement given through a scenario problem statement. A PowerPoint Presentation accompanies this module. The entire module can be taught in 11 50 minute class periods which can also be taught independent of each other.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Science-Physics, CTE
Pathway: Sales and Service
Lessons: Investigating Drive and Gear Systems, Exploring Bicycle Tire Designs, Exploring Types of Bicycle Seats and Handlebars, Designing Custom Bicycles
Exploring Transportation Maintenance
Students will explore construction and maintenance within the transportation industry. They will use geospatial technologies to make predictions about how seasonal weather events can affect construction practices. The entire module is made up of 25 lessons that can also be taught independent of each other.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Science, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance
Lessons: Maintaining Public Works Vehicles and Equipment, Nature’s Impact on Local Construction Practices, Maintaining Bridges and Tunnels (Remote Sensors and GPS), Efficient Railroad Maintenance
Flight 101
This module introduces students to the aviation industry including the basic parts and functions of planes. In the 4 to 5 class hours, students can use a small plane simulator and also build and test model airplanes.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Science-Physics, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Flight 101
Graphical Linear Programming
Students will learn how to deduce from word problem constraints in order to determine the optimum values of the variables to achieve a goal. (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12,
Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, English, CTE,
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Inflated Tire Safety
Students will conduct a tire safety study and determine the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure as a safety and cost saving factor.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Intersection of Circles: Global Positioning Systems
Students will be able to connect the intersection of circles to the real-world application of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Math-Calculus, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Introduction to GPS–GIS
This module provides an introduction to the basic principles behind GPS and GIS systems. The students will be tested on their knowledge of GPS and GIS uses and functions and will also be measured on their ability to use trilateration to find different points on a map.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Science, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Introduction to Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Students will develop an understanding of the supply chain and the difference between Transportation, Distribution and Logistics in approximately 5 50- minute class periods. Using movie maker software, they will make a movie of a career in Transportation, Distribution and Logistics that they have researched.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Lessons: Introduction to TDL
Modes of Transportation
This module is designed to help students understand the six different modes of transportation used today and their economic and historical importance in transportation.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Importance of Truck Mode, Importance of Air Mode, Importance of Water Mode, Importance of Pipeline Mode, Importance of Railroad Mode, Plan and Present a PowerPoint
Movement of International Shipments
This module helps students understand the decisions to be made and the process for successfully transporting a package in a safe, economical, and legal manner from an international destination to a local customer. The first 5 lessons cover pre-shipment decisions and the remaining five lessons cover shipment and delivery activities.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Math, Science, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Lessons: Packaging Configurations, Mode and Route Determination for Packages, Incoterms of Sale, Letters of Credit, Shipping Papers and Customs Documents, Maritime Loading Activities, Multiple Modes Used in Transit, Receiving and Warehousing, Delivery to Customers, Ethics and Laws in International Trade
Networks, Projects and Routings
Students will become familiar with real applications of graphs in project management and traffic and material flow. (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Math, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Probability and Uncertainty: Just-in-Time
Students will learn the effect of cumulative variation in causing backups and delays in supply chains, both external and internal to companies. (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Revision Date: June 2020
Product Delivery for High School
Students will develop an understanding of how GIS/GPS systems are used in managing and planning for moving products, as well as how these technologies are used to save fuel.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Lessons: Route Planning in Cities, Interstate Route Planning with Interactive Maps and GPS, When to Drive: Start Times and Fuel Consumption, Load Size and Trip Planning, Warehouse Product Flow and Logistics, Logistics Management Design
Product Delivery for Middle School
Activities in this module are designed to help middle school students develop an understanding of the logistics involved in moving products from one place to another.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Lessons: Plane, Train, Truck or Ship–How Do We Get It There?, Do Right Turns Save Fuel? Route Planning in Cities, Interstate Route Planning with Interactive Maps and GPS
Railroad 101
To help students understand career opportunities in the railroad industry, they will be given information through field trips and blogging about the basic operation of trains, safety of trains and business practices.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Railroad 101
Real-World Applications of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
After examining the history of RFID technology, students will distinguish the parts associated with RFID technology and their uses and be asked to present a real-world application of RFID technology. The module can be taught in 4 to 5 50-minute class periods.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Science, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Lessons: Real World Applications of RFID, Logistics
Road and Rail Infrastructure: Bridge Design
In this module students will learn about the fundamental principles of “loads” and bridge design. They will be asked to design a structurally sound bridge using principles of compression and tension. The entire module can be taught in 4 50-minute class periods.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Math, Science-Physics, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation
Lessons: Road and Rail Infrastructure: Bridge Design
Road Trip!
This module is designed to complement the novel The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. The students will create a travel plan for their family to travel from Flint, MI to Birmingham, AL. Through research, the students will determine the most cost-effective mode of transportation for the family: car, airplane, train, etc., and create charts/graphs to compare costs. Students will then compare the cost of travel today to the cost of travel in 1963.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Math, English, Social Studies
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: How do you Read a Map, How do you Build a Road?, Reading Schedules, Getting Ready to Hit the Road, Over the River and Through the Woods?
Roles and Functions of Six Cutting Edge Transportation Careers
The lessons in this module focus primarily on careers in the different types of operations and functions of transportation and their economic and historical importance. They include career information for Transportation, Health and Safety Managers, 3PL Providers, Transportation Brokers, Intermodal Operators, and Materials Handling.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Lessons: Transportation Health and Safety Managers, Role of 3PL Providers, Importance of Transportation Brokers, Intermodal Transportation Operators, Materials Handling Careers, Transportation & Logistics Procurement
Space Transportation
This module covers Newton’s laws of motion, types of atmospheres, basic parts of a rocket, basic rocket flight and basic aerodynamics.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Science, Science-Physics, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Supply Chain Management
Students will participate in a simulated supply chain that teaches them how difficult, yet important, it is to integrate the supply chain. They will determine the most efficient way to maximize customer satisfaction and minimize costs through the collection of survey data and the analysis of their results. (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Lessons: What is Supply Chain Management? and Distribution Center and Warehouse Location Strategy
Supply Chain Management Concepts and Careers
This module is designed to help students develop an understanding of the impact supply chain management has on the American people by making available a variety of goods and services throughout the United States and the world. In this module, students will be introduced to supply chain management and other various careers that are available in transportation, distribution, and logistics. They will also be introduced to a few supply chain management concepts like multi modal or intermodal transportation and plant and facility location strategies.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Lessons: Introduction to the Problem, Finding Volume of Rectangular Prisms, Slump or Dump, Asphalt Cookies – Mmmm, Surveying, Scale Drawings, Which Graph?, Research, Excel Worksheets, Planning PowerPoint Presentations, Delivering PowerPoint Presentations, Application
The Future and Careers in Transportation
In this module, students will be introduced to the future of transportation, the elements that affect transportation, and the various careers that are available in the industry. The entire module can be taught in 4 50-minute class periods.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Lessons: Careers in Transportation, The Future of Transportation, Distribution Centers, Warehouse and Plant Locations, What is Transportation Management?
To Pave or to Pour: That is the Question!
This module is about students contracting to replace the parking lot with either an asphalt or concrete surface. In the lessons students will do research to find out the materials used to manufacture the concrete and asphalt, how long the concrete and asphalt parking lot will last, how much material is needed and an estimate of the cost.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Math, Science, English, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation,
Lessons: Introduction to the Problem, Finding Volume of Rectangular Prisms, Slump or Dump, Asphalt Cookies – Mmmm, Surveying, Scale Drawings, Which Graph?, Research, Excel Worksheets, Planning PowerPoint Presentations, Delivering PowerPoint Presentations, Application
Transportation and Emergencies for High School
Students will be taught basic concepts of GPS, including how GPS allows emergency responders to locate an incident. They will design improvements to emergency response routes as well as to evacuation routes for natural disasters. They will also explore careers in fields related to disaster planning and in transportation as it relates to emergency preparedness.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Science, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Lessons: The Benefits of GPS When Local Emergencies Occur, How Do I Get Roadside Assistance in Times of Emergency?, A New Path for Emergency Vehicles, Exploring the Resources Available for Natural Disaster Victims, Exploring and Improving Evacuation Routes
Transportation and Emergencies for Middle School
This career development module is designed to provide middle school students with a basic understanding of the relationship between technology, particularly geospatial technologies, and emergency preparedness.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Science, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Lessons: The Benefits of GPS When Local Emergencies Occur, How Do Emergency Vehicles Know Where to Go?, A New Path for Emergency Vehicles, Exploring and Improving Evacuation Routes
Revision Date: June 2020
Transportation Construction
Students will explore the field of civil engineering to determine its role in the design of a transportation infrastructure. They will design a chart that highlights ways in which the weather in each season can affect construction and maintenance practices. The complete module consists of 17 lessons.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Science, Science-Physics, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance
Lessons: Weather Impacts on Construction and Maintenance Practices, Maximizing Natural Resources, Land Surveying & Civil Engineering
Transportation Engineering: Traffic Study
In this module students will complete a traffic study. They will collect data, do calculations, evaluate that data and suggest solutions to various traffic problems.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Math, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation
Lessons: Transportation Engineering: Traffic Study
Transportation Engineering: Urban Planning
Students will learn about the basics of Urban Planning/Transportation Engineering. They will design an effective and efficient layout for a teacher designed scenario. This module can be taught in 8 50-minute class periods.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation
Lessons: Transportation Engineering: Urban Planning
Transportation Industry Studies
Students will learn about various careers and jobs available in the transportation industry. In addition they will investigate historic events that changed the course of technological advancement in the area of transportation.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE,
Pathway: Sales and Service,
Lessons: Examining Retail and Service Businesses for Transportation, Investigating Transportation Jobs, Assessing the Impact of Events on Transportation.
Transportation Planning for High School
Students will be taught about mass transit systems in another country from a series of activities that include designing bicycle paths, walkways, and a mass transit system for their area.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Comparing Public Transportation Systems, Designing Bicycle Paths, Designing Skyways, Designing a Mass Transit System, Designing a Mass Transit System to Address Future Needs
Transportation Planning for Middle School
Students will be taught about mass transit systems from a series of activities that include designing routes for various modes of transportation, as well as reading information about rail, boat, and air transportation.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Designing Bicycle Paths, Designing Train Routes, Designing Bus Routes, Designing a Ferry System, Improving Walkways, Improving Roadways and Mass Transit Systems
Trucking 101
In this module students will learn about the trucking industry and the careers associated with the trucking industry. They will become familiar with many of the terms related to trucking.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: Trucking 101
U.S. Highway Bridge Project–Repair or Replace?
Students will be expected to work collaboratively as a member of a research team to determine if a bridge built in 1903 should be repaired or replaced. Since there is historical significance and growing public debate about the issue, students will look at the environmental, cultural, social/political and design related issues in making their decision.
Grade Level(s): 11-12
Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, English, Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation
Lessons: Introduction to Highway Bridge Project, Profile Roles and Research, Organizing Data, Transportation Planning Committees
US Geography for Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
In the six hours of instruction students will be introduced to US geography and how costs are the driving factor for many economic decisions. They will calculate costs for shipping loads across the US.
Grade Level(s): 9-10
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services
Water Transportation Careers
The lessons in this module will focus primarily on aspects of Water Transportation, the impact of this form of transportation and the career opportunities available. The entire module consists of 9 50-minute lessons which can be taught individually or as a complete module.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Transportation Operations
Lessons: What Constitutes Water Transportation?, Marine Transportation Managers, Cargo Vessel Crews, Tankerman Services, Marine Vessel Dispatching & Tracking Operations, Pilots of Marine Vessels, Vessel Traffic Control, Marine Cargo Inspectors, Inland Barge and Ocean Water Transportation
What Is Transportation?
The six lessons in this module are appropriate for providing students with an overview of transportation, logistics and the supply chain. Each lesson can be taught independently in one to two class periods.
Grade Level(s): 6-8, 9-10, SpecEd
Subject(s): Social Studies, CTE
Pathway: Represents all 7 TDL Pathways
Lessons: Importance of Protective Packaging and Material Handling, Importance of Order Management and Customer Service, Logistics Uses Information Technology, What is Supply Chain?, What is Logistics?, What is Transportation?