Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basics of rotary engine design and mechanics.
Materials and Prep
- Paper and pencil
- Internet access
- Optional: Books or articles on rotary engines
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
- Research: Use the internet or books to gather information about rotary engine design and mechanics. Take notes on the key concepts and components.
- Diagram: Create a labeled diagram of a rotary engine, including the essential parts and their functions.
- Experiment: Build a simple model of a rotary engine using paper and other craft materials. Observe how the parts move and interact with each other.
- Analysis: Write a short report discussing the advantages and disadvantages of rotary engines compared to other types of engines.
Seventh Grade Talking Points
- "A rotary engine, also known as a Wankel engine, is a type of internal combustion engine."
- "Instead of using pistons like in a traditional engine, rotary engines use a triangular rotor that rotates within an oval-shaped housing."
- "The rotor has three sides, called lobes, which create different chambers as it spins."
- "These chambers allow for the intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust processes to occur within the engine."
- "Rotary engines are known for their high power-to-weight ratio and smooth operation."
- "However, they tend to have higher fuel consumption and emissions compared to piston engines."
- "Rotary engines were popularized by Mazda in their RX series of sports cars."
- "While they are not as commonly used today, rotary engines still have a dedicated fan base and are being explored for potential applications."