Science and Technology

Steam

Demonstrate the formation of steam by boiling some water.

Using the activity sheet "Looking Inside Puff", trace the path of a water droplet from the water tank to the smokestack.

The Force of Steam

The steam is under pressure inside the cylinder. This makes the wheels go around. It is like the air in a balloon.

Demonstrate air pressure

Blow up the balloon. Hold the neck tight. Explain that the air wants out. Release the neck of the balloon pointing sideways from the children. Watch what happens to the balloon. It is pushed by the air which is rushing out.

Self and Society

Discuss with your class the tasks people perform to make the locomotive move.

Fireman

Puts coal in firebox, makes fire in firebox and keeps it going checks and fills boiler with water.

Engineer

Operates controls (throttle, lever, whistle).

Brakeman Polishes and cleans headlights, puts oil on wheels (oiler), fills boiler with water.

Conductor

Keeps records, makes sure jobs are done, is the boss of the train.

Flagman

Looks for trouble on the track, while riding in the caboose.

Language

Gather pictures of different kinds of trains to illustrate that trains are one way to move cargo and people from place to place. Discuss the pictures. Talk about places where trains might travel.

Distinguish between modern locomotives that use electricity and diesel fuel, and steam locomotives that used steam for power.

Share personal stories of train travel.

If steam locomotives could talk, what might they say?

The Arts

Create a mural showing a steam locomotive, and the different rail cars it might pull.

Use cardboard boxes to make a train. Paint them, or have the children "put them on" to become the train.

Use a tape recorder to tape sounds the children make to imitate steam locomotives, trains, station signals etc.

Math

Gather pictures of different kinds of steam trains. Have the children count the large wheels on the engines. These wheels are called the driving wheels or drivers. Engines may have different numbers of driving wheels.

Have the children count the small wheels on the engines. These small wheels help to guide the engine around curves. Have the children count the number of cars in the trains. Which trains are longer? Which trains are shorter?

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