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Hybrid carsWith petrol prices rising, alternative energy sourcesfor cars are being explored. Recently, theGovernment announced that a hybrid vehicle would

be built in Australia.

Focus Questions

1.

What was the main point of the story?

2.

Why are alternatives to fuel-powered cars being investigated?

3. What is a disadvantage of an electric motor?

4. What is a hybrid car?

5. In your own words, describe how a hybrid engine works.

6. What are the benefits of hybrid cars?

7. What agreement has the Government made with Toyota in Japan?

8. List the disadvantages of hybrid cars?

9. What are some other car technologies on the horizon?

10. What do you think the Government should be doing to support

petrol alternatives?

What will be the car of the future?

Students will create a brochure advertising the car of the future. The brochure

will need to include what the issues are with petrol/diesel powered cars, what

the best alternative energy source is for powering cars and why.

Students begin with a partner discussion about what they know about

alternative energy sources for cars. Ask them report back to the class with

what they know. They can then generate key questions to research in order todetermine what alternative fuel source is best to power the car of the future.

Some possible questions include:

What are the issues with continuing fossil fuel use?

What types of alternative energy sources are being developed for future

cars?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

EPISODE 16

17HJUNE 2008

Learning Area

Society and environment

English

Key learning

Students will identify

alternative energy sources

for future cars and create an

advertising brochure.

ey words

Fossil fuel

Hybrid

Emissions

Energy source

Internal combustion

Hydrogen

Solar

There are some web links at

the end of this activity sheet

that may help students with

their research.

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ABC 2008

When students have a clear understanding of what the alternatives are and the

advantages and disadvantages of each, they can make a decision about what

the car of the future could be. They can then create their brochure. The

following website explains how to create a brochure using Microsoft

Publisher. http://www.teachersintouch.net/lesson/plans/primary/exhibiting-

art.asp

Further investigations

Research the amount of emissions a hybrid car produces compared with a

petrol vehicle.

Create a labelled diagram that shows how a hybrid engine works.

Use the online puzzle maker to create a word search or crossword about

energy.

http://www.awesomeclipartforkids.com/crossword/crosswordpuzzlemaker

.html

Related Research Links

ABC News Car makers will be forced to follow hybrid lead

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2269918.htm

ABC News Prime Minister announces $35 million boost for Victorian Toyota

factory

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2270666.htm

ABC News Holden urged to follow Toyota hybrid lead

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2270108.htm

Howstuffworks website How hybrid cars work

http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm

A students guide to alternative energy sources for cars

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/transportation/index.html

Hybrid cars pros and cons

http://www.physorg.com/news10031.html

Choice magazine hybrid cars

http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104663&catId=100462&tid=

100008&p=2&title=Hybrid+cars