Cars and the Environment

This is one of a series of focused units, from the Association for Science Education and the Design and Technology Association, to introduce students to important technologies and their applications. This unit shows that decisions involving environmental issues are complex. Students learn that there are often optimum decisions rather than right or wrong ones. They also develop a deeper understanding of the science related to one environmental issue enabling them to make reasoned and balanced judgements. In addition they learn how to use a spreadsheet as a design tool.

In the first part of the unit students learn about the nature and impacts of exhaust emissions from cars. They study the energy needed to manufacture and run motor vehicles. Finally they consider the materials used to make cars and the steps that can be done to cut related damage to the environment.

Part 2 shows students how to use a spreadsheet as a design tool. This part includes a market research activity. This leads onto the suggested assignments in part 3 covering materials and exhaust emissions.

[b]Contents[/b]
TEACHERS’ NOTES
* Plan of the unit
* By using the unit students will ...
* Links to other SwT units
* Syllabus Links
* Using the unit
* Setting up the spreadsheet

STUDENTS’ MATERIAL
Part 1: Cars and the Environment
Part 2: Designing an 'Eco Car'
Part 3: Assignments