Car Maintenance Quest

Week 1: Introduction to Car Maintenance and Basic Tools

Objective: Students will understand the importance of regular car maintenance and the basic tools required for it.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on why car maintenance is important.
   • Read a short article on common car issues (flat tires, oil changes, etc.).
   • Explore a virtual tour of a mechanic’s garage or car repair shop.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Introduce basic car maintenance tools (wrenches, jacks, screwdrivers) and allow students to practice using them.
   • Creative: Create a checklist for basic car maintenance.
3. Reflection:
   • Write about why regular car maintenance is important and how it can save money in the long run.

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Week 2: Engine and Oil System Basics

Objective: Students will learn about the engine, its components, and how the oil system works.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on how the engine works.
   • Read an article about engine components and their functions.
   • Examine a car’s oil system and the process of changing engine oil.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Change the oil in a car (if feasible) or simulate the process using a model.
   • Creative: Build a diagram showing the flow of oil in the engine.
3. Reflection:
   • Share how often oil changes should be done and why regular oil changes are crucial for car health.

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Week 3: Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

Objective: Students will learn how to inspect and maintain tires, wheels, and brake systems.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video on tire care and wheel alignment.
   • Read about the function and importance of brakes.
   • Learn how to check tire pressure and tread depth.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Inspect tire pressure and tread depth.
   • Creative: Research how to change a tire and create a step-by-step guide.
3. Reflection:
   • Write about the consequences of neglecting tire or brake maintenance.

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Week 4: Battery and Electrical System

Objective: Students will learn about the car battery and the electrical system.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video explaining how the car battery works.
   • Read about troubleshooting common electrical problems (dead battery, fuses).
   • Understand how to safely jump-start a car.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Test a car battery and learn how to jump-start a vehicle.
   • Creative: Create a safety checklist for jump-starting a car.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on what you learned about the electrical system and why it’s important to regularly inspect the battery.

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Week 5: Cooling System and Fluids

Objective: Students will learn about the car's cooling system and different fluids required for the vehicle.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Watch a video explaining the car’s cooling system and radiator function.
   • Read an article on common car fluids (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid).
   • Learn how to check fluid levels.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Check coolant and other fluid levels in a car.
   • Creative: Make a fluid change schedule for a specific car model.
3. Reflection:
   • Write a reflection on why keeping fluid levels in check is important for the longevity of a car.

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Week 6: Final Project: Create Your Car Maintenance Schedule

Objective: Students will consolidate everything they’ve learned by creating a comprehensive car maintenance schedule for a car.

1. Exploration Tasks:
   • Review all concepts learned during the course.
   • Research the recommended maintenance schedule for a specific car model.
2. Choice Activities:
   • Hands-On: Create a personalized car maintenance schedule based on the student’s vehicle or a hypothetical vehicle.
   • Creative: Design an easy-to-follow car maintenance logbook or mobile app prototype.
3. Reflection:
   • Reflect on how learning about car maintenance has changed the way you view car ownership and care.

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Final Presentation:

• Present the personalized car maintenance schedule or project to the group.
• Share what you found most interesting and useful from the quest.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Engagement in activities and exploration.
• Completion of the final project.
• Reflections that demonstrate understanding of car maintenance principles.

This outline incorporates a mix of practical, reflective, and creative tasks to ensure students can actively engage with the material while developing useful life skills in car maintenance.