Elementary Lesson Plans

As one of the fundamental pillars of the transportation industry, workforce development is a critical component in creating and sustaining a connected world. In partnership with elementary teachers and students, MTI developed a STEM transportation unit that introduces 1-6th graders to the basics of how people and goods are moved. These lesson plans are free to use, and MTI welcomes the opportunity to hear feedback or discuss potential partnerships from other educators. In these lessons, students learn about active modes of transportation, sustainability issues, transportation planning, and more.

Bridge & Construction Lesson Plans

Humans have been building bridges for thousands of years to cross barriers like rivers and valleys. These lessons engage students with fun, bridge-themed activities that explore science, math, and engineering—featuring structures as simple as a plank of wood to complex feats like the Golden Gate Bridge.

California Common Core Standards

These lesson plans are designed to align with California Common Core standards, helping students build foundational skills in science, math, and engineering through transportation-focused learning.

Maryland College and Career Ready Standards

These lessons also align with Maryland College and Career Ready Standards, supporting student learning through engaging, transportation-based STEM activities.

Climate Change, Transportation, and High Speed Rail Lesson Plans

High-speed rail (HSR) is an efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation solution with a long global history. In these lessons, students explore how HSR helps reduce transportation emissions and supports California’s long-term climate goals while connecting major cities.

"How We Move" Cards

To get where we need to be, we use many modes of transportation on land, water, and in the air. These cards help students explore transportation choices, comparing features like capacity, speed, and greenhouse gas intensity, and how they impact our daily lives.

"How We Move Goods" Cards

In the United States, billions of tons of freight are moved each year. These cards help students investigate how goods travel—exploring different modes, their capacity, speed, and environmental impact through images, facts, and discussion.

Sustainable Transportation Lesson Plans

These lessons introduce students to active transportation, sustainability issues, and transportation planning, helping them understand how people and goods move while exploring more sustainable ways to travel.

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