Simple Thermodynamics of Transportation

Grade Level: 9-12

Summary: In this lesson, students will watch videos about various modes of transportation, they will examine the energy transformations that occur in each, and they will be introduced to the laws of thermodynamics. These lessons can be adapted to fit the needs of your class by adding more or taking away information about the laws of thermodynamics.

View the Lesson Plans for this Unit
View the Content Standards

Download Related Documents:
Student Instructions: Hero's Steam Engine

Activity 1:
Energy to Go!
Students will learn the basics of the laws of thermodynamics and examine the energy transformations that occur in different types of transportation.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Misty Fjords Kayak Rangers Sea kayaks are the mode of transportation of choice for the rangers that patrol the Misty Fjords Wilderness Area in Alaska.

Activity 2:

Lock, Stock, and Barge
This activity examines the energy utilized in river transportation. Students are asked to create a diagram illustrating the energy transformations used in getting ships up and down rivers.

Featured video clips in this activity:

McAlpine Locks and Dam on the Ohio River In order to provide a navigation system for the Ohio River, the McAlpine Locks and Dam system was built at Louisville, Kentucky.

Activity 3:

Hero's Steam Engine
Student's apply the laws of thermodynamics and the transformation of energy to build their own steam engine.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Skagway Steam Train Originally built to link Skagway to the location of the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass Railroad has transformed itself into a scenic attraction.