Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
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INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Grade code: 1.1.2.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 1.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.2.LI.3
Theme: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: INTRODUCTION TO VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
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Every day in Ghana, we see thousands of vehicles on our roads—from the tro-tro we take to school, to the Okada navigating traffic, to the large cargo trucks bringing goods to our markets. What is the one system that keeps all these moving vehicles and their passengers safe? The braking system. Understanding how a vehicle stops is just as important as knowing how it moves. This lesson will explore the three main ways vehicles create the powerful force needed to slow down and stop safely. Knowing this helps us appreciate the engineering behind the vehicles we use daily and understand the importance of proper maintenance for road safety.
Starter Activity (5 minutes) Group Brainstorm: In small groups, learners will discuss the question: "When a driver wants to stop a moving car, what happens? How does pressing a small pedal with your foot stop a heavy, fast-moving vehicle?" Each group will share one or two ideas with the class. This taps into their prior knowledge and sets the stage for the lesson.
Part A: The Fundamental Principle of Braking
All braking systems work on one core principle: Friction. Kinetic Energy: A moving vehicle has energy of motion, called kinetic energy. The faster and heavier the vehicle, the more kinetic energy it has. Friction: To stop the vehicle, this kinetic energy must be converted into another form of energy. Brakes are designed to press a stationary material (brake pad or shoe) against a rotating part (brake disc or drum) attached to the wheel. Energy Conversion: This pressing action creates immense friction. The friction converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy. You might sometimes smell hot brakes after a vehicle has descended a steep hill like the Aburi mountains. The Goal: The purpose of mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems is simply to transmit and multiply the force from the driver's foot (or hand) to the wheels to create this friction effectively.
Part B: Types of Braking Systems Mechanical Braking System