This web site provides a series of grades 6-12 curriculum units that will introduce students to careers, skills, and concepts one would need to succeed in the transportation industry. All lesson plans housed on the site were developed by teachers for teachers with input from their industry partners and are free for everyone to use.
With many industries competing for student interest these materials are designed to establish a potential pipeline of students who would become interested in entering the transportation field. The materials address the 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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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 5 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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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, FineArts, 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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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 Lessons:
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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, Lessons:
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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.
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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, Lessons:
Revision Date: June 2018
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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, Lessons:
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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?
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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, Lessons:
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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?,
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV / BlimpDuino Study: A Study of 2-D Motion
This module is suited primarily for a physical science or a conceptual physics class. It is based on a study of motion along two dimensions (kinematics) which leads to Newton’s Second Law.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV / BlimpDuino Study: Linear Programming
This module focuses on determining the rate of gas depletion in order to develop a mathematical model.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV / BlimpDuino Study: Mathematical Regression
This module focuses on determining the rate of gas depletion in order to develop a mathematical model.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV / BlimpDuino Study: Minimum Flight Plan
This module focuses on determining the flight path with the minimum distance traveled.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV/ BlimpDuino Study: A Study of 1-D Motion
This module is suited primarily for a physical science or a conceptual physics class. It is based on a study of motion along one dimension (kinematics) which leads to Newton’s Second Law.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
UAV/BlimpDuino Study: A Research Project
This module is based on developing an understanding of UAVs, their past history and future advancement in the aerospace field.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Science, Science-Physics, CTE, Pathway: Transportation Operations,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
Warehouse Layout Design
Students will learn about the fundamentals of warehouse layouts and OSHA requirements for warehouses. They will design an OSHA compliant warehouse and calculate the cost of this warehouse. This entire module can be taught in 8 50-minute class periods.
Grade Level(s): 9-10, Subject(s): Math-Geometry, CTE, Pathway: Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations, Lessons: Warehouse Layout Design,
Revision Date: June 2018
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,
Revision Date: June 2018
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?,
Revision Date: June 2018
X,Y Coordinates: Location Planning
Students will determine the best location for a distribution center using the Cartesian plane and various maps. (Indiana)
Grade Level(s): 11-12, Subject(s): Math, Math-Algebra, Social Studies, CTE, Pathway: Logistics Planning & Management Services, Lessons: Introduction, Location Planning
Revision Date: June 2018
