CAR ACTIVITY:AIR POLLUTION LESSON

Objectives:1. TSWBAT analyze relationship between environmental

factors and community health2. TSWBAT compare fueling efficiency of different model

cars to determine the effect of auto emissions3. TSWBAT evaluate how cars contribute to air pollution

What in a car interest you?

What About Vehicle Emissions Exhaust (What

comes from exhaust)

Evaporative Emissions

Refueling Losses

Montgomery County

North Penn is purchasing ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel & retrofitting a portion of its school bus fleet with oxidation catalysts. one of the largest school bus fleets in PA serves 12,000 students Partners include Pennsylvania DEP

SEPTA – Regional Rail Bike trails

Mr. Fluck’s Car

Really Mr. Fluck’s Car

Car Activity Example

This slide is a guide for you to do this activity with three cars of your choice.

1997-2011 9/11 - ???Year, make and model 1997 Honda

Accord LX2012 Honda Civic LX

Purchase price $21,000 $19,000

Miles per gallon:City / highway / combo

25 / 31 / 27 28 /39 / 32

Gallons used per year (based on 15,000 miles per year, combined driving)

15000 / 27 = 555.55

15000 / 32 = 468.75

Pounds of CO2produced per year (One gallon of gas burned produces 20 pounds of CO2

555.55 x 20 = 11,111

468.75 x 20 = 9375

Price of unleaded gas (per gallon) $____/GALLON

$3.41 $3.41

Amount spent on gas for one year (in $) (price x gallons/year based on 15,000 miles per year)

$3.41 x 555.55 = $1894.42

$3.41 x 468.75 = $1598.43

10-year cost of vehicle $1894.42x 10 = $18,944.20

$1598.43 X 10 = $15,984.30

Discussion Questions

1. How many pounds of CO2 would you save over ten years by buying the more efficient vehicle?

2. Should cars that pollute more cost more? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think SUVs are so popular with drivers today, given their low mileage and significant greenhouse gas emissions?

4. What do you think would motivate drivers to buy cleaner, less-polluting vehicles instead?

5. Should there be incentives for people to drive hybrids, such as being allowed in the HOV

(high occupancy vehicles) lanes?

Helpful Websites

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

http://www.kbb.com/