Grade 12 - Energy, Power, and Transportation(Principles and Concepts of Technology)

This sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

describe how types of motion (linear, rotary, oscillatory, reciprocating) are integrated in mechanical systems
explain the transfer and conversion of energy in devices and systems
describe ways to integrate emerging and alternative energy sources to power mechanical devices
apply the principles of kinematics to analyse how mechanisms function
evaluate social, economic, and environmental conditions that affect the selection of transportation systems

To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Energy, Power, and Transportation (Principles and Concepts of Technology) in other grades click on an icon below.

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Students acquire advanced knowledge of mechanical and electromechanical systems and how these systems convert, transmit, conserve, and use energy and power. In researching industrial and commercial applications of energy, power, and transportation, they also gain an understanding of related career opportunities.

Review with students the transfer of energy and the conversion of energy by having them calculate mechanical advantage and various ratios (transfer), as well as thermal efficiency (conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy).

Transfer of Energy	gears, belts, pulleys, hydraulics, pneumatics
Conversion of Energy	potential to kinetic, heat energy to mechanical energy

Introduce students to the principles of kinematics by having them discuss different forms of motion, classifying them as either linear, reciprocating, rotary, or oscillatory. Ask them to develop a dictionary of mechanisms and include definitions of the formulae used to calculate mechanical advantage, diagrams of the functions, and descriptions of the applications.

Forms of Motion	Examples
linear	monorail
reciprocating	bicycle crank
oscillatory	pendulum
rotary	compact disc

Engage students in a discussion about the factors that influence the design and production of transportation systems (e.g., the impact of pollution on the environment, emissions legislation, diminishing supply of fossil fuels). Have them choose alternative forms of energy to research (e.g., solar, chemical, methane, alcohol) and then develop class presentations about their viability as future energy sources for the transportation industry.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

As students evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impact of different transportation systems, they can demonstrate their understanding of how systems convert, transmit, conserve, and use energy and power.

As students analyse problems involving energy transformations, check their understanding by asking them to:
- identify the energy transformation that occurred and compare it to the work done
- identify the type of energy possessed by the object before and after the transformation occurred
- identify energy transformations that take place for specific real-world situations such as amusement rides, car rides, or automobile collisions
Ask students to work in small groups to design and construct energy transformation devices. Assess the devices using a list of criteria generated by the class with the help of the teacher. The list might include criteria such as minimum efficiency rating attained, amount of work done, and number of energy transformations.
Have students interview field technicians who are responsible for energy efficiency in their companies, then make brief oral reports to the class. Note the extent to which they are able to:
- accurately describe the duties and responsibilities of the job
- describe the gender and cultural diversity among people holding similar jobs
- identify the educational prerequisites required for entry into the job
- identify ways in which emerging technology has changed or modified the way the job is done