VOA慢速英语2013 孩子们通过赛车学科学

 

孩子们通过赛车学科学

BALTIMORE — A race track became a classroom for some Maryland students as they learned about science and engineering from open top Indy race cars. The IndyCar organization collaborated¹ with educators to make science fun and encourage students to consider a career in the field.

Indy Cars go well over 320 kilometers per hour. The students got a close-up look at the cars before a recent grand prix race in downtown Baltimore.

Then they went to tents by the race course to learn how tires grip the road surface. The students used a sensor² to learn about friction³ by comparing smooth and rough materials.

Ten-year-old Jhanaijia Daughtrey thought learning about the tires was interesting, especially because she is considering becoming an engineer.

“The Indy Car surface is smoother so that they can easily go around the streets, and the regular tire has grooves⁴ in it, so I guess it can basically do anywhere," said Daughtrey.

Science teacher Kathryn Spivey says these activities show the students how what they’re learning in school applies in the real world.

“It gave them a chance to do science hands-on with equipment we can’t afford to put in the classroom, and they were able to see what we’re talking about when we talk about being safe and friction and motion," said Spivey.

These children can learn a lot about science and engineering from Indy Cars, says driver Ed Carpenter.

“Everything that we do here with these race cars, whether what keeps us safe in an accident or what’s helping⁵ us go fast on the track, it’s an engineering-driven sport, which the heart of it is math and science," said Carpenter.

IndyCar sponsors the Future of Fast program with Project Lead the Way. The group provides science, technology, engineering and mathematics course material to U.S. schools. The idea behind the demonstrations⁶ is to expose kids to new ideas, says Vince Bertram, head of the organization.

“It’s one thing to just enjoy the speed and the track experience, but when you really start to understand the technical issues and how these cars are designed and put together, that’s exciting and it's engaging for our students," said Bertram.

The children also got to learn about race track safety barriers. Using paper, Styrofoam, straws and glue, the students create their own small barriers. An instrument measures the wall force as the barrier is hit by a small car.

Shane Gorman explains the result.

“If you have it thicker, rather than thinner, it makes a much better barrier," said Gorman.

Brennan Radke was surprised to learn that a real safety wall is not made out of concrete.

“I think that if it was just a concrete wall, then the car would get really demolished⁷, but because it was made of Styrofoam and steel, I don’t think it would damage the car as much," said Radke.

The Future of Fast program began last year with events in several cities. The hope is that more children will get interested in science and engineering. And the IndyCar racing⁸ circuit hopes to gain some young fans.

1 collaborated   

合作( collaborate的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾结叛国

参考例句：

• We have collaborated on many projects over the years. 这些年来我们合作搞了许多项目。
• We have collaborated closely with the university on this project. 我们与大学在这个专案上紧密合作。

2 sensor   

n.传感器，探测设备，感觉器（官）

参考例句：

• The temperature sensor is enclosed in a protective well.温度传感器密封在保护套管中。
• He plugged the sensor into a outlet.他把传感器插进电源插座。

3 friction   

n.摩擦，摩擦力

参考例句：

• When Joan returned to work,the friction between them increased.琼回来工作后，他们之间的摩擦加剧了。
• Friction acts on moving bodies and brings them to a stop.摩擦力作用于运动着的物体，并使其停止。

4 grooves   

n.沟( groove的名词复数 )；槽；老一套；（某种）音乐节奏v.沟( groove的第三人称单数 )；槽；老一套；（某种）音乐节奏

参考例句：

• Wheels leave grooves in a dirt road. 车轮在泥路上留下了凹痕。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Sliding doors move in grooves. 滑动门在槽沟中移动。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

5 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

6 demonstrations   

证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威

参考例句：

• Lectures will be interspersed with practical demonstrations. 讲课中将不时插入实际示范。
• The new military government has banned strikes and demonstrations. 新的军人政府禁止罢工和示威活动。

7 demolished   

v.摧毁( demolish的过去式和过去分词 )；推翻；拆毁（尤指大建筑物）；吃光

参考例句：

• The factory is due to be demolished next year. 这个工厂定于明年拆除。
• They have been fighting a rearguard action for two years to stop their house being demolished. 两年来，为了不让拆除他们的房子，他们一直在进行最后的努力。

8 racing   

n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的

参考例句：

• I was watching the racing on television last night.昨晚我在电视上看赛马。
• The two racing drivers fenced for a chance to gain the lead.两个赛车手伺机竞相领先。