Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Crank It Up!
Following this procedure, eager engineers construct a working model of a piston system, similar to that in an internal combustion engine. Perfect for STEM or automotive technology classes, the activity comes complete with analysis and...
Carnegie Mellon University
Transportation
Teach your environmental studies, life science, or engineering class how an internal combustion engine works using the first few slides of the accompanying presentation. Then, focus in on the resulting carbon emissions. Finally, take a...
Curated OER
Hybrid Vehicles: Cut Pollution and Save Money
Math and science meet in this lesson plan on hybrid electric automobiles. This 24-page resource provides everything you need for teaching a lesson plan that compares the use of internal combustion engines to hybrid electric engines....
Curated OER
Discovering How a Car Works
Students explain the four stroke process in internal combustion engines. In this physics instructional activity, students role play this process and present their reenactment in class. They draw and label the diagram of an internal...
Curated OER
Rudolf Diesel Research Question
In this scientific inventions worksheet, students research the German inventor (Rudolf Diesel) who developed the internal-combustion engine. Students write a short description of the inventor and his invention, and draw a picture to...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Viscosity of Motor Oil
The insides of a car engine get very hot when the engine is running. Motor oil lubricates the moving parts, to keep the engine operating smoothly. Learn what happens to motor oil as the engine temperature goes up.
Hunkins Experiments
The Secret Life of Machines
An entertaining site that communicates ideas through cartoon drawings. Discover how simple machines and gadgets operate, such as fax machines and washing machines.
Other
Automotive News: Gottlieb Daimler
Photo and biography of Daimler as well as notes on his contributions to the automotive industry.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Rudolf Diesel
A short biographical sketch of Rudolf Diesel. Describes his personal and professional interests. Also discusses the details of the first diesel engine as invented by Rudolf Diesel.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Automobile Manufacturer Henry Ford
This Library of Congress timeline series discusses Henry Ford, whose automobiles and manufacturing process made the "horseless carriage" affordable to every American.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Rudolf Diesel
An interesting account of Rudolf Diesel and his invention of the diesel engine. The text is the actual transcript of a syndicated radio broadcast called "Engines of Ingenuity." Outstanding information on Diesel and his engine invention.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Big Diesel Engines
Traces the historical evolution of the diesel engine. Explains the distinction between gasoline engines and diesel engines. Discusses the uses of diesel engines. Interesting, anecdotal and well-written. (Text is the actual radio...
Other
Reducing Climate Change Emissions From Motor Vehicles [Pdf]
This site highlights new legislation in California which is designed to create new regulations that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by cars and trucks. The background to this proposal gives a summary of the manner in which...
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Diesel Engine
Illustrated discussion on how the diesel engine was invented and how it works.