NOTICE

What is a Steam Engine?

A steam engine is a machine that uses steam to do work. Steam is the gas that water makes when you heat it. The steam engine was invented long ago, in the 1700s, and it was used to power things like trains and factories. A steam engine works by heating water until it turns into steam. The steam pushes a piston in a cylinder back and forth. This movement of the piston can turn a wheel and do other work.

Here's how it works:

1. Fuel, like coal or wood, is burned to heat up water in a boiler. The heat makes the water boil and turn into steam.
2. The steam goes into a cylinder and pushes a piston back and forth. The piston is a long metal rod that fits inside the cylinder.
3. When steam goes into the cylinder, it pushes the piston in one direction. As the steam cools and condenses, it creates a vacuum that pulls the piston back the other way.
4. The piston moving back and forth can turn a wheel, which can power a train or factory machine.
5. The steam is then turned back into water so it can be used again.

INSTRUCTIONS: Use words from the story above to label the details of the diagram below.