Educational Horsepower: Engine Design and Construction in the Classroom

Engines, in their many forms and functions, have had a tremendous impact on society and the environment. It is hard for the contemporary student to fathom a world without trains, cars, trucks, powerboats, and airplanes. With the fascination, history, impacts, and importance of engines to modern society, it is only natural that engine technology should be included in technology education curriculum. The study of engines provides an application for data gathering and numerical manipulations, as well as an excellent context for lessons on the history of technology. In this article, the author presents several ideas for introducing engine construction activities in the classrooms. (Contains 8 figures and 1 resource.)