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Episode 23: Happy 100th Birthday, Snowmobiles
The first machine for traveling over the snow was invented in 1922. Since that time, snowmobiles have become a popular recreational vehicle. In addition to the fun and frolic, there are serious environmental and safety considerations with their use.
Join us as we take a closer look at 100 years with the snowmobile.
Men posing near an early snowmobile, c.1920 (P061457)
Elias Motor Toboggan used by the NYS Dept. of Conservation, 1946-1960.(1973.020.0002)
Connecting To Curriculum
Read aloud: Students can follow along while listening. Click HERE to download a copy of the transcript.
Vocabulary: Explore new words. Students listen to high-level vocabulary in context. Have them identify the definition afterward. Click HERE for the vocabulary page.
Engineering: Encourage students to use design and problem-solving skills by using everyday items to create a ‘new’ machine. A few sites to get ideas:
Questions
Higher grade level students may want to explore some topics in more depth.
- Snowmobiles and snowmobiling are good topics for debate. What are the positive aspects of the sport? What are the negatives? Show evidence to support your stance.
- Why did J. Armand Bombardier change his snowmobile design from propeller driven to a track system? Was it only for safety? Or are there other reasons based on science and engineering design?
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