WebQuest:
Maglev
|
|
Introduction:
In the Commonwealth of Virginia,
transportation has become a hot issue. Traffic has worsened over
the past few decades, as our increasing population continues to add
more vehicles to our crowded interstates, bridges and tunnels.
Governor Kaine and the General Assembly are searching for answers to
the "transportation problem". There has been talk of a "third
crossing" to ease traffic through the Hampton Roads Bridge
Tunnel. Funding continues to be an issue, with proposals about
gasoline taxes, road tolls and other means under discussion.
The idea of achieving high speed
travel with magnetically levitated vehicles has been around for almost
a century. However, practical implementation of these
vehicles did not occur until over fifty years after the idea was
conceived. Maglev promises to be the new major mode of transport
for the 21st Century and beyond because of its energy efficiency,
environmental benefits and high velocity.
You are part if an investigating
committee. The committee has
been tasked by the Governor to evaluate Maglev, to determine if it
should
become a part of the transportation plan for Virginia. A few
communities
have put Maglev into practical use. Should we?
Your committee's goal is to
investigate Maglev transportation to
determine if it is a viable solution to alleviate traffic problems and
environmental concerns. You will work in a group of three
people to produce a presentation that answers the following questions:
- What is Maglev?
- How does it work?
- Would it work for our
community?
The
Task!
Created March 29, 2007
by Lori Andersen.