VIDEO 03: ENERGY TO BURN

VIDEO 03: Energy to burn

KINETIC, POTENTIAL, THERMAL, & CHEMICAL ENERGY

In this unit, we will introduce alternative fuel sources. What are some of the differences between gas and electric vehicles when considering efficiency, torque, and power? How do the performance needs of race cars and street cars influence the use of fuel sources?

Students will learn about the future of fuel sources for cars, with particular attention to the electric car. Students will explore the cost of power and how powering an electric engine is different from a gas engine.

In order to gain a better understanding, students will find the cost of power for common appliances in their own homes. Lastly, students will research various types of alternative energy sources and design an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) which they will present and try to “sell” to their classmates.

NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS

• 4-PS3-3: Make observations to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution.
• 4-PS3-1: Use evidence (e.g., measurements, observations, patterns) to construct an explanation.
• 4-PS3-4: Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.

SME : Robert Scholer 

Robert Scholer, of Kia North America discusses electric vehicles – their efficiency, how energy is regenerated rather than lost and also renewable fuel sources.

SME: Adam Andretti

As a professional race car driver and a member of the Andretti family of race car drivers, Adam Andretti discusses how the race car engines are designed for different performance than street cars. He talks about torque, horsepower and electric engines in race cars.