K-12 Educational Activities

CAV campers boarding the Bear Tracks automated shuttle in White Bear Lake
2022 CAV campers took a field trip to the Bear Tracks automated shuttle in White Bear Lake.

Our K-12 programs, events, and web-based tools are designed to interest students in exploring math, engineering, science, and technology related to transportation.

Summer Camps

National Summer Transportation Institute

This free two-week summer day camp at the University of Minnesota introduces students in grades 7–9 to the many aspects of the transportation field.

CAV Career Pathways Camp

This free camp is designed for high school students interested in vehicles and the latest technology. During the one-week summer day camp, students learn about connected and automated vehicle technology and explore career opportunities in a cutting-edge industry that will help shape the future of transportation.

Games and Lesson Plans

Gridlock Buster Traffic Control Game

Gridlock Buster is an online traffic control game based on tools and ideas that actual traffic control engineers use in their everyday work. Players must work through a series of levels by controlling the traffic and ensuring that delays don't get out of hand—such as lines of backed-up traffic and frustrated drivers.

NSTI instructors test the strenght of a student bridge at the closing ceremony

K-12 Lesson Plans

Our K-12 lesson plans seek to provide educators with tools and interactive activities that enrich students’ learning of transportation-related topics. Materials include videos and activities on bridge building, transportation safety, traffic control, and more.

Other Resources

MnDOT STEM Program

MnDOT provides free curriculum, activities, and initiatives both in and out of the classroom to help promote STEM concepts and careers to K-12 students. Learn more or request a visit to your classroom. 

Become a Civil Engineer

This website for kids describes nine different disciplines within civil engineering. The site, sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, also features a brief animated video titled Careers in Civil Engineering.

Your Future in Transportation

In 2020, the Transportation Research Board produced a video, Your Future in Transportation, to "help excite and attract people to the industry."