
As the crisp fall air rolls in and local carnivals light up the night with Ferris wheels and festive rides, it's the perfect time to bring that excitement into the classroom! Whether you're attending a fall festival or just enjoying the season’s fun, now is the ideal opportunity to spark curiosity in your K-12 students with an exciting engineering challenge: building their very own Ferris wheel.
This hands-on project taps into the wonder of carnival rides while introducing students to key mechanical and structural engineering concepts. From beginners eager to explore rotational motion and basic structures to advanced students ready to dive into wind dynamics and motorized assemblies, this project has something for everyone. Not only will students have fun creating their mini Ferris wheels, but they'll also develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of real-world engineering challenges. Let’s bring the magic of fall into the classroom with an engineering twist!
This project will guide students through designing and building a model Ferris wheel using engineering principles from mechanical and structural engineering. The project offers both beginner and advanced versions, ensuring that students of varying skill levels can engage meaningfully with the material.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and apply basic mechanical principles like wheels and axles, torque, and rotational motion.
- Explore structural engineering concepts such as stability, load distribution, and materials selection.
- Analyze the effects of external forces like wind dynamics on structures.
- Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills through hands-on construction.
- Create a functioning Ferris wheel using everyday materials
1. Beginner Project: Basic Ferris Wheel
Goal: Design and build a simple model Ferris wheel that demonstrates rotational motion using wheels and axles.
Instructions:
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Frame Construction:
Build a simple A-frame structure using wooden dowels or popsicle sticks. This will serve as the support for the Ferris wheel. Discuss load distribution and how a triangle is a strong shape for stability. -
Wheel & Axle Assembly:
Cut a wheel out of sturdy cardboard or plastic. Insert a wooden dowel or rod through the center of the wheel to serve as the axle. Secure the wheel in place on the frame so that it can rotate freely. -
Seats:
Create small "seats" by attaching bottle caps or small containers to the edge of the wheel. The wheel should maintain balance as it rotates. -
Mechanism:
Add a crank mechanism on one side of the axle to allow manual rotation of the Ferris wheel. Discuss torque and how force applied at a distance from the axle helps rotate the wheel.
Learning Objectives:
- Mechanical Engineering: Understanding rotational motion, wheels, and axles.
- Structural Engineering: Introduction to the stability of a triangular frame.
- Problem-Solving: Testing the Ferris wheel's ability to hold "passengers" (weights) and rotate smoothly.
Extension Activities:
- Add weights to different parts of the Ferris wheel to explore balance and how weight distribution affects rotation.
- Test the Ferris wheel in front of a fan to discuss wind dynamics and stability.
2. Advanced Project: Motorized Ferris Wheel with Wind Dynamics
Goal: Design a more complex, motorized Ferris wheel that factors in wind dynamics and structural stresses.
Instructions:
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Advanced Frame Design:
Build a more intricate frame using cross-bracing techniques for added support. Introduce the concept of compression and tension in different parts of the structure and how to mitigate stress. -
Wheel & Axle Assembly:
Design a larger and more stable Ferris wheel using plywood or a sturdy plastic disc. Use a metal rod for the axle. Attach the wheel to the frame securely using bearings or bushings to reduce friction. -
Seats with Stability:
Construct seats that swing freely but remain balanced as the wheel turns. This will introduce the concept of pendulum motion and center of gravity. -
Motorized Mechanism:
Attach a small motor to the wheel to allow automated rotation. Discuss power transmission and explore different ways to connect the motor to the axle (gears, belts, etc.). -
Wind Dynamics & Structural Stress:
Introduce a fan or blower to simulate wind forces acting on the Ferris wheel. Students will analyze how wind affects the structure, how to improve stability, and which materials or design changes (like adding guy wires or anchor points) can help mitigate these effects. -
Testing & Data Collection:
Students will perform stress tests by adding weights to the seats and measuring how the structure reacts to different loads. They will also test the wheel’s performance under simulated wind conditions and collect data on stability and rotation.
Learning Objectives:
- Mechanical Engineering: Power transmission using motors, torque, gear ratios, and pendulum motion.
- Structural Engineering: Load distribution, material strength, compression and tension, wind load analysis.
- Physics: Forces, friction, rotational inertia, and wind dynamics.
- Problem-Solving: Addressing real-world engineering challenges, such as how to stabilize a structure in strong winds and how to ensure smooth motorized operation.
Extension Activities:
- Explore the effect of different materials on the performance of the Ferris wheel.
- Adjust the motor speed to analyze the impact on the structural integrity and smoothness of rotation.
- Simulate real-world challenges such as seismic loads by shaking the frame to test the structure's ability to withstand lateral forces.