Other
Detroit Institute of Arts: Think Like an Engineer
In this STEAM lesson plan, students are immersed in a world of transportation design as they use the design thinking process to create their own vehicle prototype out of everyday materials.
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...
Open Door Team
Open Door Web Site: Chronology of the Development of Steam Power 1696 1839
This complete chronology of steam power is designed in time line fashion. Next to each year is a detailed description of the invention. Another useful aspect of this site is the "Link to the decades," found at the top of the page. Each...
PBS
Pbs Kids: Thomas and Friends: Steam Team Snapshots Game
Create scenes for pictures of your favorite steam engines by selecting a background scene, your favorite engine, and things to put in your picture.
Curated OER
University of Rochester: Steam Engine Simple Machine
image of steam engine simple machine
Curated OER
University of Rochester: Steam Engine Simple Machine
image of Steam Engine Simple Machine
Other
Modern World History: The Industrial Revolution Begins in England (1760 1850)
In this textbook unit, students learn the reasons why the Industrial Revolution took root in England first, and the innovations that made this possible. These included textile inventions such as the flying shuttle and the spinning jenny,...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Corliss Steam Engine
This essay from the University of Virginia provides an incredible graphic of the Corliss steam engine as shown at the America's Centennial Exposition, held in Philadelphia in 1876. Includes some descriptive text.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: West Virginia Public Broadcasting: West Virginia: Steam & Inspiring West Virginians
West Virginia STEAM is a learning module with a series of videos designed to inspire middle and high school students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. They are produced by West Virginia...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Engineering Behind Levi's Stadium
Through its engineering and design, Levi's Stadium has aimed to provide the best fan experience of all of the stadiums and has changed the dynamics of live sporting events.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: John Fitch
An unsung jack-of-all-trades built America's first steam-powered boat, envisioning open access to the new nation's natural resources.
Curated OER
Engines of Ingenuity: Steam Engines in England
An interesting historical account of the development of the steam engine. Provides pictures of the earliest of steam engines.
Other
Applied Thermodynamics: Steam Turbine
A steam turbine is defined at Applied Thermodynamics. The individual steps of a steam turbine engine are illustrated and explained.
Hunkins Experiments
Hunkin's Experiments: Steam Power
Hunkin's Experiments is a group of simple cartoon illustrations of scientific principles. Some would work well in the classroom, but others have little value beyond entertaining students. All of the projects are easy to do. This one uses...
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Thomas Newcomen
Find out about the life and work of the inventor who created the first practical steam engine for pumping water in 1712, the Newcomen steam engine.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: James Watt
The Scottish instrument maker and inventor James Watt had a tremendous impact on the shape of modern society. His improvements to the steam engine were a significant factor in the Industrial Revolution, and when the Watt engine was...
Curated OER
History of the Steam Engine
From the Engines of Ingenuity web site. A lengthy page discussing ingenuity and invention as it pertains to steam engine history. Very anecdotal and interesting. Includes biographical information and interesting details about Hero of...
Curated OER
History of the Steam Engine
From the Engines of Ingenuity web site. A lengthy page discussing ingenuity and invention as it pertains to steam engine history. Very anecdotal and interesting. Includes biographical information and interesting details about Hero of...
Other
Engineering Your Future Ohio: Della Steam Plant Case Study
This lesson gives a real world example of challenges and choices engineers face in their careers. The Della Steam Plant Case Study allows students to analyze and present finding about a problem found in the power plant's turbine system....
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 695: John Ericsson
A biography of John Ericsson, a man who invented in three countries over most of a century. He invented an early locomotive, a hot-air engine, screw propeller, and the Monitor, which was used in the Civil War. This is a transcript of an...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Activity: Engineering Design Challenge
From the San Francisco 49er's Museum Education Program which promotes STEAM projects, students construct an irrigation system for the football field. The concept of engineer design is explored.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Working of a Fusible Plug
Explains how the fusible plug in a steam engine works and why it is essential for safety reasons.
Curated OER
University of Rochester: Steam Engine Simple Machine
image of Steam Engine Simple Machine
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: Fulton's Submarine
Discusses the technological and political conditions which led to Robert Fulton's invention and development of the submarine. Includes some biographical information and some graphics of early submarine sketches. (Text is the actual radio...