Bicycle
Treasure Hunt
Exploratorium's:
Science of Cycling
Visit the Exploratorium's
Science of Cycling website to discover the facts behind
the bicycle. Record the answers to the following questions
as you research. Then test your knowledge by taking this quiz.
Answer the following
questions:
You can either download the questions
using Acrobat Reader or you can print this webpage, then answer
the questions.
|
 You can download
this file and read it using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
This is a free program that you can install on your
computer at home.
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download
Treasure Hunt Questions |
- If the "Ordinary" bicycle
was so dangerous, why do you think people continued to ride
them?
- Can you explain the difference between
tangential and radial spokes? Draw a diagram to illustrate
the differences.
- Why would the pneumatic (or air-filled)
rubber tire make such a difference with the comfort of bicycling?
- Can you name three facts that show
how gears and chain drives made bicycling easier and safer?
- Explain why you would rather have
either a bicycle made out of thin-walled steel tubing or
made out of thick-walled aluminum tubing.
- This tutorial lists five kinds of
braking systems used with bicycles: plunge, coaster, caliper,
drum, and disc. What kind of brake does your bicycle have?
What problems or advantages have you found with this kind
of brake?
- Calculate the minimum stopping distance
of a bicyclist on this page: http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/brakes2.html.
Without changing your speed, check to see how long it takes
to brake on dry concrete, wet surface, sand, and ice. Record
your answers.
Now, check your
knowledge by taking this simple quiz:
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