Thomas Built Buses is aiming to teach the next generation about electric school buses.

The manufacturer has developed a free educational curriculum ahead of back-to-school season to help students reach core learning objectives while educating them on alternative fuel school buses. 

Going Green in the Classroom

Casey Harris, an EV business analyst for Thomas Built and a former teacher, principal, and superintendent, developed the curriculum to expand awareness about electric school buses.

“I developed the curriculum with two objectives in mind. First, to increase education and awareness of electric school buses. Next, to provide teachers with another resource that allows their students to engage and immerse themselves in the standards taught,” Harris said.

The curriculum is built to 8th grade North Carolina state standards but can be adapted to different state or grade standards.

This initiative extends beyond transportation, emphasizing the Electric Bus Authority’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while weaving in local economic contributions, according to a news release.

The primary goal is to ignite interest, promote education, and raise awareness about electric school buses, all while incorporating crucial STEM education principles.

“The sustained success and growth of electric transportation hinges on preparing the workforce pipeline,” said Whitney Kopanko, director of marketing and school bus sales for Sonny Merryman. “There are many career opportunities in this new field that our students don’t know exist. Through this curriculum, we’ll get them excited about what we’re doing today with electric school buses and inspire them to take it the next step further when they enter the workforce.”

The lesson plan covers diverse subjects including math, science, social studies, language arts, writing, and literacy standards, fostering a broad spectrum of intercurricular connections.

Activities include a Think-Pair-Share, Problem/Solution Jigsaw Knowledge Acquisition, and a project that tasks students with determining if the cost of an electric school bus can be justified. 

School districts interested in utilizing the curriculum can visit the Thomas Built website.