Powerful Propulsion th (K-12 Grade) Tour Description: Table of Contents I. Background Information Discover how automotive a. Brief History of Car Technology technology has advanced over b. Introduction to the Physics of Cars time to make cars faster, safer, c. Safety on the Road and more fuel efficient. d. Alternative Power Sources Compare energy sources and II. Pre-Visit Lesson Plans hypothesize which fuels may be a. Car Safety Features best to power vehicles in the b. Car Physics Introduction future. c. Simple and Complex Machines d. Engine Pistons Guiding Questions: e. NASCAR Engine Power f. Fossil Fuels and the Carbon Cycle What makes cars fast? g. Alternative Fuel Comparison What makes cars safe? III. Post-Visit Lesson Plan What makes cars fuel IV. Extension Activities efficient? a. Engine Simulation b. Fossil Fuels and Pollution Key Concepts/Themes: c. Power Source Comparison Simulation V. Standards Addressed Force and motion VI. Glossary Inertia VII. Additional Resources Safety Simple and complex machines Energy transfer and chemical reactions Fossil fuels and pollution Carbon cycle Renewable resources 2702 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 www.americascarmuseum.org Phone: 253.779.8490 Fax: 253.779.8499
[email protected] Education Department Direct Line: 253.683.3978 1 ACM Background Information Brief History of Car Technology Possible cars that The invention of the wheel paved the way for transportation as it is known today. will be highlighted: Historians don’t know exactly who invented the wheel, but the oldest wheel discovered thus far is believed to be over 5,500 years old. The ancient Egyptians, 1899 Baldwin Indians, Greeks, and Romans improved the design of the wheel and axle, a simple Steamer: This car is machine, by adding spokes and creating a variety of wheels for different sorts of the oldest car in the vehicles including chariots, farm carts, wagons, and passenger coaches.