Unit 3, Lesson 2
The Cost of Driving
Objectives:
The students will:
- > understand the many economic and environmental costs associated with driving.
TEKS:
English, Language Arts and Reading
Science
- Environmental Science: 3A-D, 4C, 4E, 5C-D, 5F, 8B
Social Studies
Teacher Preparation:
For information about transportation technology and its impact on air quality, visit the Easy Breathers Library online.
Directions:
- Discussion Activity
Students should list all of the costs of driving. Examples include car repair, accidents, insurance, disposal of consumables (tires, batteries, hoses, etc.), car disposal, road maintenance, congestion (time and stress), air pollution, land for pavement, oil spills, gas leaks, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and others.
To Develop the Discussion Activity Further
The Easy Breathers web site has a section on the costs of driving (Air Pollution Impacts on Economy) including a worksheet to help students calculate just what driving is costing them (External Costs of Driving).
- Critique Automobile Ads
Students should collect new car/truck brochures. Examine them. What features do they emphasize? How do they portray the vehicle? How are expensive cars portrayed? Inexpensive cars? Are any environmental features mentioned? What are some of the slogans that are used? Why? Students could take a car of the future and design an ad for it.
- Conduct a Clean Car Rally
With the advice and/or assistance of local automobile technicians, students can do any or all of the following: conduct emissions tests, check air pressure in tires, tune up cars, and teach people about air conditioner repair. For tips on car maintenance, visit the Easy Breathers web site (Respect Your Ride).
- Go Car Shopping
Students should select the (existing) vehicle of their dreams, gather information on the vehicle, and tell why the vehicle appeals to them.
Resources:
Web Sites
Source: Al Stenstrup, Education Outreach; Mittsy Voiles, Air Education Specialist; http://www.easybreathers.org/
