Quest: Car Repair
Week 1: Introduction to Car Repair and Tools
Objective: Students will understand the basics of car repair and get familiar with essential tools.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video on the importance of understanding car repair and the benefits of learning to do basic repairs.
- Read about the essential tools every car mechanic should have, including wrenches, jacks, screwdrivers, and diagnostic tools.
- Learn safety protocols when working on cars (e.g., wearing gloves, safety glasses, and ensuring the car is properly supported).
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Identify and practice using basic tools in a controlled environment.
- Creative: Create a guide on how to safely use common car repair tools.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on why it’s important to have the right tools and understand basic safety when performing car repairs.
Week 2: Diagnosing Common Car Problems
Objective: Students will learn how to diagnose common car issues, such as engine problems, unusual noises, and electrical issues.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video explaining how to identify the signs of a failing engine, dead battery, or faulty transmission.
- Read about common car problems and how to diagnose them using sounds, smells, and visual inspection.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Practice diagnosing a car’s symptoms (e.g., engine misfire, battery drain, overheating).
- Creative: Develop a flowchart that outlines how to diagnose a car problem based on symptoms.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on the importance of diagnosing car issues early to prevent costly repairs and breakdowns.
Week 3: Tire Repair and Replacement
Objective: Students will learn how to repair flat tires and replace tires properly.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video on how to fix a flat tire, including using a jack and removing the tire.
- Read about tire maintenance, including checking for tread wear and balancing tires.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Practice removing and replacing a tire, checking tire pressure, and repairing a flat with a patch kit.
- Creative: Create a tire maintenance schedule that includes checking tire pressure, tread depth, and alignment.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on how tire maintenance impacts the car’s overall safety and fuel efficiency.
Week 4: Brake Repair and Maintenance
Objective: Students will learn about the brake system and how to replace brake pads and rotors.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video demonstrating how to replace brake pads and rotors.
- Read about the different types of brake systems (e.g., drum vs. disc) and how to identify issues with brakes.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Practice replacing brake pads or inspect brakes for wear and tear.
- Creative: Create a checklist for maintaining a car's brake system.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on the importance of brake maintenance for safety and how worn brakes can affect a car’s ability to stop effectively.
Week 5: Engine Repair Basics
Objective: Students will understand basic engine repairs, focusing on components like spark plugs, belts, and hoses.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video on how to replace spark plugs, belts, and hoses in a car engine.
- Read about common engine problems, such as overheating, misfires, and oil leaks.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Replace spark plugs or check and replace a worn engine belt.
- Creative: Write a step-by-step guide on how to replace spark plugs or belts in a car.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on how maintaining the engine helps avoid serious car problems and extends the vehicle’s life.
Week 6: Electrical System Repair
Objective: Students will learn how to troubleshoot and repair electrical issues in a car.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Watch a video explaining how to check for common electrical problems, such as blown fuses or faulty wiring.
- Read about the car’s electrical system and how components like the alternator and battery function.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Test the car’s electrical system, checking the alternator, fuses, and battery.
- Creative: Create a flowchart or diagram of a car's electrical system and how to diagnose issues.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on the importance of maintaining the electrical system and how electrical problems can affect the overall functionality of the car.
Final Project: Car Repair Troubleshooting and Fix Objective: Students will apply their knowledge of car repair by diagnosing and fixing a real or simulated car problem.
- Exploration Tasks:
- Review the material covered throughout the quest.
- Research a common car problem not covered in the curriculum and learn how to repair it.
- Choice Activities:
- Hands-On: Diagnose and fix a car problem (e.g., replace a broken hose, fix a battery issue).
- Creative: Create a detailed repair log that tracks the issue, steps taken, and the outcome of the repair.
- Reflection:
- Reflect on how car repairs are an essential life skill and the importance of knowing when to seek professional help.
Final Presentation:
- Present the final repair project and explain the diagnostic process and solution.
- Share what was most challenging and rewarding about fixing a car problem.
Assessment Criteria:
- Engagement in activities and exploration.
- Completion of the final repair project.
- Reflections that demonstrate understanding of car repair principles.
This Choice Quest integrates practical skills with research and creative thinking to help students become more confident in diagnosing and repairing common car issues. It encourages hands-on experience while emphasizing safety, problem-solving, and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.
