Grade Level(s):    9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):    Math, Driver's Education, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:

• Students will be able to calculate miles per gallon for a vehicle over a three week period.
• Students will be able to list at least three driving habits which can be used to increase fuel efficiency.

Materials:    calculators, mileage amounts, fuel consumption amounts, and fuel prices, maps.

Technology Tools/Courseware:    Computers

Teacher Notes:

• Check computer consent status
• Reserve computer lab

1.    Students work in pairs to calculate the miles per gallon for a vehicle over a three week period.  Provide students with a beginning odometer reading, amount of fuel used to fill the tank at each of three fuel stops, and the odometer reading before filling the tank at each stop.  Have students calculate miles per gallon for the entire three-week period.  Students will use Microsoft Excel to make comparison charts.
2.    Discuss fuel saving driving habits.

a.   Use a warm engine.
b.   New vehicles achieve maximum fuel economy at 50-55  mph.
c.   For every 5 mph increase in speed above 55 most cars get  1.5 fewer miles per gallon.
d.   Keep windows rolled up.
e.   Coast to a stop, accelerate moderately to desired speed to save fuel.
f.    Go to computer lab--use MapQuest to find distance to a given destination, estimate how many gallons of gas will be needed for the trip based on consumption in first exercise.

• Pair students in cooperative learning groups.
• Fewer tanks of fuel to calculate for students who have a slower pace.

• Students may use maps to plot three routes to the same destination, calculate mileage by using the scale and by using black marked numbers.
• Students may estimate how much fuel will be needed for each of the three routes.

• Students will work ten problems calculating gas mileage--points will be awarded for correct answers.
• Points will also be awarded for correct process.

National Standards:

• Math Standard 3:  Uses basic and advanced procedures while performing the processes of computation.
• Social Studies, Geography Standard 5:  Understands the concept of regions.
• Social Studies, Geography Standard 1:  Understands the characteristics and uses of maps, globes, and other geographic tools and technologies.
• Technology Standard 1:  Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems.

• Drive Right
• MapQuest

Author:     Lois Hamilton, Rae Holdren, David Miller