Bicycle

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/bicycle

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the classification?Human-powered, two-wheeled vehicle with a frame, pedals, and a drivetrain
2. What is the key evolutionary milestones?Draisienne (1817), Velocipede (1860s), Penny-farthing (1870s), Safety Bicycle (1880s), Pneumatic Tires (1888)
3. How does a bicycle move when you pedal?Your legs turn the pedals, which spin a crank. The crank turns a chain that drives the rear wheel, making the bike go forward.
4. Why are safety bicycles better than the old penny‑farthing?Safety bicycles have two wheels of the same size, a chain drive, and soft pneumatic tires. This makes them more stable, comfortable, and easier to ride.

Pneumatic Tires: Tires filled with compressed air, providing cushioning and significantly improving ride comfort and efficiency.
Gear Ratio: The relationship between the number of teeth on the front chainring and the rear sprocket, determining pedaling effort versus wheel speed.
Drivetrain Efficiency: The percentage of energy transferred from the rider's legs to the rear wheel, influenced by chain tension, lubrication, and component design.