Researching eVTOLs

Futuristic flying drone air taxi soars over a green park with a lake. In the background another drone can be seen near high rise buildings of a city
Phenomena: Self Flying Taxis in Houston

This article from SmartCities Dive describes the pilotless air taxis coming to a greater Houston community as soon as 2030.

Learning Goals:

  1. Students will learn what eVTOLs are and how they compare to traditional forms of transportation.
  2. Students will learn about the benefits and challenges of human innovation in clean transportation.
Materials List

Handouts

Important Links

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

  • ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems – Typically, as human populations and per-capita consumption of natural resources increase, so do the negative impacts on Earth unless the activities and technologies involved are engineered otherwise.

Lesson 1 of 2 / Time: 2-3 periods of 60 mins

Students in groups will conduct research comparing eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicle) and Boeing’s PAV (Passenger Air Vehicle) to other modes of transportation, such as helicopters, airplanes, cars, and flying cars. Students will analyze the benefits of adopting eVTOLs technology, as well as potential challenges or risks.

 

Clean Transportation Through Electric Aviation Vehicles Unit

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