Lesson Plan: Safety First: Analyzing Tesla's Model X as the First SUV with a Perfect Crash Test Rating
Lesson Plan: Safety First: Analyzing Tesla's Model X as the First SUV with a Perfect Crash Test Rating
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject: Physics, Automotive Technology, Engineering
Duration: 60 minutes
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of crash test ratings in evaluating vehicle safety
- Analyze the design and engineering features of Tesla's Model X that contributed to its perfect crash test rating
- Investigate the impact of advanced safety technologies on vehicle safety standards
- Evaluate the significance of Tesla's achievement in the automotive industry
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.3: Analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how specific individuals, ideas, or events interact and develop over the course of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1.C: Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2.B: Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.
Materials:
- Article: "Tesla's Model X: The First SUV to Receive a Perfect Crash Test Rating" (print or digital copies)
- Computers or tablets with internet access (optional)
- Writing materials: paper, pens, or pencils
Procedure:
1. Warm-up (5 minutes):
- Display the title: "Why Tesla's Model X Was the First SUV to Receive a Perfect Crash Test Rating."
- Ask students if they are familiar with crash test ratings and their importance in vehicle safety evaluations.
- Facilitate a brief discussion about the significance of crash test ratings and their impact on consumer decisions.
2. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Distribute the article "Tesla's Model X: The First SUV to Receive a Perfect Crash Test Rating."
- Instruct students to read the article individually and highlight or underline important details about the crash test rating of Tesla's Model X.
3. Group Discussion (15 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions:
a. What are crash test ratings, and how are they determined?
b. What are some of the key design and engineering features of Tesla's Model X that contributed to its perfect crash test rating?
c. How might advanced safety technologies, such as Tesla's Autopilot system, enhance vehicle safety?
d. What impact does Tesla's achievement have on the automotive industry and consumer perceptions of electric vehicles?
4. Research Activity (20 minutes):
- Ask students to conduct additional research on crash test ratings, safety features, and advancements in vehicle safety technology.
- Provide a list of reliable online resources or books for students to use.
- Instruct students to take notes on key points and prepare to share their findings with the class.
5. Class Sharing (10 minutes):
- Allow students to share their research findings and insights about crash test ratings, vehicle safety features, and advanced safety technologies.
- Facilitate a class discussion on the importance of safety in the automotive industry and the role of advanced technologies in improving vehicle safety.
6. Reflective Writing (10 minutes):
- Have students individually reflect on the following prompts:
a. Why do you think crash test ratings are important for consumers?
b. How do you think advancements in vehicle safety technologies will impact the future of the automotive industry?
c. What are some ethical considerations when it comes to implementing advanced safety technologies in vehicles?
7. Whole-class Discussion (10 minutes):
- Engage students in a whole-class discussion by sharing and discussing their reflections.
- Encourage students to actively listen, respond, and ask follow-up questions to promote a meaningful dialogue.
Assessment:
- Participation in group discussions and whole-class discussions
- Completion and thoughtfulness of reflection prompts
- Accuracy and relevance of research findings
SUVs are generally safe, but have a high rollover probability. Tesla was able to overcome this obstacle with their Model X SUV. Here's how they did it.For more, check out our Snapchat https://insder.co/cars#Tesla #CrashTest #BusinessInsiderThe following is a transcript of the video:Narrator: This Tesla Model X refuses to roll over. Unlike most SUVs which tend to roll over with ease, the Model X continues to return to an upright position. Here's why the Model X was the first SUV to receive a perfect crash test rating. When it comes to vehicle safety, size matters. So it's not uncommon for SUVs to be generally safer than your standard sedan. However, they tend to have one big shortcoming. Rollovers.SUVs are notorious for having a high center of gravity causing them to roll over when put into tight maneuvering situations, or a side impact. Rollovers can result in the partial or full ejection of passengers from the vehicle, increasing the chances of injury or death. In 2016, rollovers happened in one percent of serious crashes in passenger vehicles but accounted for one-third of collision-related deaths. Over the past three decades, automakers have been able to reduce the frequency of rollovers in vehicles with technology and more stable designs. However, once a serious impact occurs it's just basic physics. A higher center of gravity increases the likelihood of a car tipping or rolling over.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA is the only organization that tests rollover resistance. They also test frontal crashes and side impacts from a pole and barrier. After each test, they measure readings from a dummy to determine how much damage a real person is likely to sustain. They use this data to determine a safety rating in each category and an overall safety rating for the vehicle.Amongst its many luxury features, the Model X hosts active safety technology such as collision avoidance systems and automatic emergency braking. But what sets the Model X apart is its design. Like other Teslas, the Model X has a large, rigid battery pack located on the floor of the vehicle. This gives the Model X a much lower center of gravity than your average SUV. In the event of a collision that would normally cause an SUV to roll over, this would happen instead.But rollovers are just one aspect of the safety test. Since the Model X is an electric vehicle, there's no need for mechanical components in the hood of the car. This allows for a much larger crumple zone to absorb energy from a frontal crash. It also has specially-made side sills that absorb energy in addition to its rigid side pillars. These features help reduce the force exerted on passengers and increases their protection. But if you don't have $80,000 laying around for a Model X there’s still plenty of SUVs out there with excellent safety ratings.------------------------------------------------------Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more.Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: https://read.bi/7XqUHIBI on Facebook: https://read.bi/2xOcEcjBI on Instagram: https://read.bi/2Q2D29TBI on Twitter: https://read.bi/2xCnzGF-------....-------------------- Tesla's Model X Was The First SUV To Receive A Perfect Crash Test Rating
