It is the responsibility of a teacher to help students understand their environment and surroundings. A project that helps students address this issue is a report on spark plugs. Before beginning any project with a spark plug, assign a research paper on who invented the spark plug, how a spark plug is made, how it works and what types of engines require a spark plug.
The science classroom provides students with the opportunity to learn why and how a spark plug works. Classroom reading assignments, discussions, videos and hands-on experiments provide the students with an opportunity to conduct basic experiments using spark plugs. A basic experiment provides the students with the opportunity to view how the electricity arcs within the confines of the spark plug housing.
Shop is the location where students learn about the electrical system of a vehicle, the difference between a fouled and open spark plug, and how to change out and replace spark plugs. These projects are done after the shop teacher talks with the students about how a spark plug works and why is it important to use the correct spark plug. Provide ample opportunity within the classroom for the students to practice replacing a spark plug in an engine using the proper tools, such as a socket wrench.
The art room is where students learn to think outside the box and use the spark plug in unconventional ways. Some interesting ideas include the students drawing a grouping of spark plugs in a still drawing, using the spark plugs in 3-D sculptures or creating jewelry from the large shapes. Sculpting ideas include animals, insects, trees, buildings and abstract art. Jewelry items include such things as necklaces, crowns and brooches.