Book 26, Question 63 · Video
How did the bicycle change over time?
The first bike-like machine, around 1817, had no pedals, and riders pushed with their feet. Later, pedals were attached to the front wheel. In the 1870s, the penny-farthing had a giant front wheel to go faster. The modern bike with two same-sized wheels and a chain appeared in the 1880s and is called the safety bicycle. Bikes keep improving.
Read the full answer →Watch on YouTubeSee the series on Amazon
What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How did the bicycle change over time?
The Big Idea
Bikes haven't always looked the way they do now! Some had no pedals. Others had giant wheels!
No Pedals
Step one: No Pedals. The first bike-like machine, around 1817, had no pedals. Riders pushed along with their feet.
Big Wheels
Step two: Big Wheels. Later, pedals were attached to the front wheel. In the 1870s, the penny-farthing had a giant front wheel to go faster.
Safety Bicycle
Step three: Safety Bicycle. The modern bike, with two same-sized wheels and a chain, appeared in the 1880s. It was called the safety bicycle, and bikes keep improving.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Feet pushed it. A giant wheel sped it. A chain powered it. Always wear a helmet.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! The first bicycles were called velocipedes or hobby horses. Chains changed everything. Wear a helmet. Giant wheels were wobbly.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Draw the three types of bicycles on a timeline. Start with the hobby horse. Add the penny-farthing. Add the safety bicycle. Write how each was powered.
Outro
The bicycle changed from a pedal-less hobby horse in 1817, to the giant-wheeled penny-farthing, to the safety bicycle with a chain in the 1880s. Bikes keep improving! Whatever bike you ride, wear a helmet. Ride safely! Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!