My friend teaches a Gifted and Talented program in her school... her student is a 5th grader (approximately 10 years old). He wants to know more about engines. I told her that's a very open-ended question, as there's a HUGE amount of information to know for each thing.

What my question is, are there any good websites that might explain engines (starting with basic information, like OHV vs. OHC), but isn't too complicated to understand?

Any websites that might have some animation to show the student about engines in motion, for example, pistons and their firing order, valves opening and closing, etc.?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I don't know of any sites for you, but what a great thing that would be!

I'd start with an explanation of what a 4cycle engine is (what each cycle does).

Try This: http://www.gm.com/explore/technology/gmpow...c3_cadillac.jsp

Thanks... these are cool. I told my friend to show her student some of these things... let him form some questions he has so I can direct him to a more specific answer.

I particularly liked the potato gun video--that's perfect for his age level.

Thanks again guys!

she could always buy him a 5-hp Briggs&Stratton lawnmower engine and let him tear it apart.

i would think you would start with the first engines, how they work... steam. for a basics.

i wasgonna post the one WMJ did, howstuffworks.. it has a wealth of info