ABC 2008

Hybrid cars
With petrol prices rising, alternative energy sources
for cars are being explored. Recently, the
Government 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 to
determine 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
17
H
JUNE 2008
Learning Area
Society and environment
English

Key learning
Students will identify
alternative energy sources
for future cars and create an
advertising brochure.

Key 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.


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