Teacher s notes Classroom lessons about cycling
Teacher s notes Years 4 6 Aims Pupils will have a positive attitude to cycling understand the design development of the bicycle understand the connection between design and function create an original bike design Materials Whiteboard and markers Pictures of veteran and modern cycles Paper Veteran cycles Divide the class into groups. Hand out pictures of veteran cycles to each group. Ask pupils to guess how long ago bikes were invented and to put cycle pictures in order starting with the oldest. There are notes on Veteran cycles on the next page. Move between the groups listening to discussion adding detail. Ensure each group has a spokesperson to report back to the class. Modern cycles Elicit names of modern bikes: mountain, BMX, racing, touring, recumbent, etc. Show pupils pictures of different kinds of modern bikes. Ask What type of bike is this? ; What could it be used for? Hybrid bike (cycling around town) Mountain bike (off-road cycling) Racing bike (racing) Touring bike (long distance travel) Folding bike (commuting) BMX (stunts) Tandem (cycling with a friend) Post bike (delivering post) Tricycle (carrying children or shopping) Recumbent (good for your back) Load carrier (for carrying bulky heavy objects) Design your own fantasy bike Hand out a blank sheet of paper to each pupil. Ask them to design their own bike and colour it. They need to think about what it would be used for. Draw pupils attention to things that can vary on a bike (number/size of wheels, seats, frame shape colour, etc.) Pupils show their completed work to the class and talk through their designs. Acknowledgement The vetertan bicycles in this section have been reproduced from a book called Early bicycles by Philip Sumner first published by Hugh Evelyn limited in 1966. The illustrations were drawn by Alan Osbahr. Every effort has been made to find the copyright holder to gain formal permission for their reproduction wthout success.
Teacher s notes Veteran cycles 1791 Hobby Horse 1839 Macmillan Originated in France and later introduced in England. It was laughed at initially but later became popular throughout Europe. The beam was made of wood and strengthened by metal straps. The wheels were also made of wood but had metal tyres. The rider used his legs alternately to push himself along. The rider used treadles and cranks connected to the rear wheel to move forward. The Macmillan Bicycle is a replica based on contemporary accounts, meant to show that the bicycle was invented in Britain 1861 Michaux This may have been the first bicycle with pedals fixed to the front wheel. 1879 Baylis Thomas Ordinary or Penny Farthing A very popular bicycle during the Victorian era. The rider mounted using a step above the rear forks. The rider enjoyed faster speeds and being higher up. 1884 McCammon Safety The first bike driven by a chain that was connected to the back wheel. It was possibly the first bike with full mudguards. 1888 Starley Rover This has the standard design of modern bicycles a diamond frame, two wheels of equal diameter and a rear wheel driven by a chain.
Veteran cycles Hobby Horse Veteran cycles Macmillan
Veteran cycles Michaux Veteran cycles Ordinary
Veteran cycles McCammon Safety Veteran cycles Starley Rover
Modern cycles Hybrid bike
Modern bikes Tandem
Modern cycles Racing bike
Modern cycles Touring bike
Modern cycles Folding bike
Modern cycles BMX
Modern cycles Tandem
Modern cycles Post bike
Modern cycles tricycle
Modern cycles Recumbent
Modern cycles Load carrier
Modern cycles Load carrier