Alternate Fuel Sources

Title: Exploring Alternate Fuel Sources in Automobiles

Objective: The objective of this research assignment is to introduce auto mechanics students to alternate fuel sources in automobiles. Students will explore and report on various technologies, their applications, and the potential impact on the automotive industry. This assignment is designed to be administered by a substitute teacher with no prior knowledge of the subject.

Materials Needed:

  1. Internet access
  2. Research materials (websites, articles, online resources)

Assignment Outline:

Introduction (15 minutes):

  1. Briefly introduce the concept of alternate fuel sources in automobiles.
  2. Emphasize the importance of exploring new technologies for a sustainable future in the automotive industry.

Activity 1: Researching Alternate Fuel Technologies (45 minutes):

  1. Provide a list of alternate fuel sources such as hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, ammonia, bio diesel, ethanol, biobutanol, dimethyl ether, methanol, and renewable gasoline technologies.
  2. Assign each student or group a specific alternate fuel source to research.
  3. Instruct students to explore online resources to gather information on how their assigned technology works, its advantages, and any challenges it may face.
  4. Encourage students to find examples of vehicles that use their assigned alternate fuel source.

Activity 2: Applications in Automobiles (45 minutes):

  1. Ask students to investigate how their assigned alternate fuel source is applied in automobiles.
  2. Instruct students to explore the performance, efficiency, and practicality of vehicles using their assigned technology.
  3. Encourage students to find real-world examples of automobiles utilizing their assigned alternate fuel source.

Activity 3: Potential Impact on the Automotive Industry (30 minutes):

  1. Discuss the potential impact of alternate energy sources on the automotive industry.
  2. Assign students to research and report on how the widespread adoption of their assigned alternate energy source could affect the industry, including economic, environmental, and social implications.

Conclusion and Presentation (15 minutes):

  1. Ask each student or group to present their findings to the class.
  2. Encourage students to discuss the advantages, challenges, and potential impact of their assigned alternate energy source.
  3. Conclude the assignment with a class discussion on the overall significance of alternate fuel technologies in the automotive industry.

Assessment Criteria: Students will be assessed based on:

  1. Completion and accuracy of research on their assigned alternate fuel source.
  2. Quality of information presented regarding the applications of the alternate fuel source in automobiles.
  3. Analysis of the potential impact of the alternate fuel source on the automotive industry.
  4. Clarity and engagement during the presentation.

Note: This assignment is designed to be self-contained, requiring only internet access for research. Encourage students to use reputable sources and emphasize the importance of understanding the practical applications and potential impacts of alternate fuel sources in automobiles.