Hybrid cars
With petrol prices rising, alternative energy sources
for cars are being explored. Recently, the
Government announced that a hybrid vehicle would
be built in Australia.
Focus Questions
EPISODE 16
17H JUNE 2008
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What was the main point of the story?
Why are alternatives to fuel-powered cars being investigated?
What is a disadvantage of an electric motor?
What is a hybrid car?
In your own words, describe how a hybrid engine works.
What are the benefits of hybrid cars?
What agreement has the Government made with Toyota in Japan?
List the disadvantages of hybrid cars?
What are some other car technologies on the horizon?
10. What do you think the Government should be doing to support petrol
alternatives?
What will be the car of the future?
Students will create a brochure advertising the car of the future. The brochure will
need to include what the issues are with petrol/diesel powered cars, what the best
alternative energy source is for powering cars and why.
Students begin with a partner discussion about what they know about alternative
energy sources for cars. Ask them report back to the class with what they know.
They can then generate key questions to research in order to determine what
alternative fuel source is best to power the car of the future. Some possible
questions include:

What are the issues with continuing fossil fuel use?

What types of alternative energy sources are being developed for future cars?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
When students have a clear understanding of what the alternatives are and the
advantages and disadvantages of each, they can make a decision about what the car
of the future could be. They can then create their brochure. The following website
© ABC 2008
Learning Area
Society and
environment
English
Key learning
Students will
identify alternative
energy sources for
future cars and
create an
advertising brochure.
Key words
Fossil fuel
Hybrid
Emissions
Energy source
Internal combustion
Hydrogen
Solar
There are some web links at
the end of this activity sheet
that may help students with
their research.
explains how to create a brochure using Microsoft Publisher.
http://www.teachersintouch.net/lesson/plans/primary/exhibiting-art.asp
Further investigations
Research the amount of emissions a hybrid car produces compared with a petrol
vehicle.
Create a labelled diagram that shows how a hybrid engine works.
Use the online puzzle maker to create a word search or crossword about energy.
http://www.awesomeclipartforkids.com/crossword/crosswordpuzzlemaker.html
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Car makers will be forced to follow hybrid lead
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2269918.htm
ABC News – Prime Minister announces $35 million boost for Victorian Toyota
factory
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2270666.htm
ABC News – Holden urged to follow Toyota hybrid lead
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/10/2270108.htm
Howstuffworks website – How hybrid cars work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
A student’s guide to alternative energy sources for cars
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/transportation/index.html
Hybrid cars pros and cons
http://www.physorg.com/news10031.html
Choice magazine – hybrid cars
http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=104663&catId=100462&tid=1000
08&p=2&title=Hybrid+cars
© ABC 2008