The TAC Foundation recently brought the AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions (SOS) program to Ottawa, welcoming 19 students and their teacher from Bell High School.
This hands-on educational program, developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, introduces students to transportation engineering through engaging STEM activities. The goal? To inspire students to consider careers in transportation.
On November 1, students explored magnetic levitation technology, a key component in high-speed train design. They learned about the laws of physics, motion, and principles of experimentation, then applied these lessons by building and racing Styrofoam and magnetic tape cars on elevated tracks. Friendly competition fueled their innovation as they adjusted designs to shave milliseconds off their race times.
Keith Foster, a champion of the STEM program in Canada, noted the session’s impact. “After polling the students, it was exciting to see that most are now seriously considering careers in transportation,” he said. Carleton University professor Karim Ismail was also on hand to offer career advice and enrollment guidance.
Bell High School teacher Craig Martin observed how the day transformed his students’ curiosity into enthusiasm. “At first, they weren’t sure what to expect,” he said. “But by the end, they were fully engaged and having a great time. That level of focus isn’t something I always see.”
TAC Foundation Executive Director Jean-François Gysel reflected on the event’s success: “Seeing the sparkle in their eyes as they worked on their test cars was incredibly rewarding. They had fun while learning about transportation, tackling real-world challenges, and applying math and physics to solve problems. It’s a win for everyone.”
This event was made possible through the generous support of Englobe Corp., Morrison Hershfield, now Stantec, and the Cement Association of Canada. Additional contributions from AASHTO, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and TAC ensured its success.
As more STEM sessions are planned for 2025, the TAC Foundation invites you to support its Student Outreach program. Your contribution helps inspire students to join the dynamic field of transportation—building a brighter future for the industry.
OCDSB Bell High School Students build and test their Styrofoam and magnetic tape cars on elevated tracks.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Foundation and how you can get involved, contact foundation@tac-atc.ca. You can also follow the Foundation on LinkedIn to stay up to date!
