Historic
Perspective
Background Information
The U.S. Interstate Highway system is an integral part of American transportation and American life. However, it is a relatively new - not yet a half century old.
In this activity, students have an opportunity to recognize the origins of the system and the differences between transportation before the highway system began and now.
Student Activities
Information
In 1919, Dwight Eisenhower led a convoy of soldiers from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco via Denver and Cheyenne. The journey took 62 days.
Activities, Including an Internet Alternative
Use either a U.S. map or log on to MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com
Chart your route, including overnight stops, on a U.S. map.
Mathematical Calculations
-How long would it take your family to drive the same route (via Denver and Cheyenne)?
- Determine mileage between major cities on the route; calculate total mileage.
- Assume an average speed (including stops) for the trip to be 55 mph, how long would it take to drive: each segment? the entire trip?
- Assuming a 10 hour driving day, how many days would it take to drive the entire trip?
- At a cost of $0.34 per mile, what would the cost of driving be?
-If you choose the quickest route from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco, what highways would you probably travel?
-How long would it take your family to travel this route?
- Determine mileage between major cities on the route; calculate total mileage.
- Assume an average speed (including stops) for the trip to be 55 mph, how long would it take to drive: each segment? the entire trip?
- Assuming a 10 hour driving day, how many days would it take to drive the entire trip?
- At a cost of $0.34 per mile, what would the cost of driving be?
-How many nights would you stay at a motel?
Consider
Note
In 1956, the U.S. Congress, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, authorized funds to begin the U.S. Interstate Highway system.
Extensions
Phone several major airlines. Some include:
American: 1-800-433-7300
United: 1-800-241-6522
-Get information for a flight from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco:
- cost of a one-way ticket
- hours and minutes of flight time
- air miles traveled
-What is the cost per mile for a flight for one person?
-Which is the more economical way for one person to travel (excluding meals and motels) in terms of:
- dollar cost?
- time required for the trip?
-Which is more economical way for a family of four to travel in terms of dollar costs?
Teacher Notes
Students may be surprised at the time necessary for Eisenhower's trip as well as the route he took. Their routes and times would probably be quite different his. The route through Cheyenne and Denver would be approximately 2952 miles; at 55 mph, the trip would take 53 hours, 41 minutes. The trip would take 5.3 days driving a 10 hour day and 4.5 days driving a 12 hour day. At $0.34 per mile, the trip would cost $1003.68 (not including motels and meals).
A more direct route through Salt Lake City, would be approximately 2840 miles; at 55 mph, this trip would take 51 hours, 38 minutes. The trip would take 5.1 days driving a 10 hour day and 4.3 days driving a 12 hour day. At $0.34 per mile, the trip would cost $965.60 (not including motels and meals).
Costs of plane tickets will vary. The mileage cost for one person is less flying than driving, but more for a family of four.
Discuss reasons for differences between the 1919 trip and today's trip: the U.S. Interstate Highway system.
Discuss drawbacks of the U.S. Interstate Highway system: It tempts people to drive longer distances at higher speeds, increasing both Vehicle Miles Traveled and fuel consumption.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Earth Science, Math, History, and Geography.