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| Build a Big Wheel |
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(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)
Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on the engineering behind big wheels (sometimes called Ferris wheels). Teams of students explore the engineering behind the "London Eye," explore the history of big wheels, and construct a working wheel model using pasta, glue, and teabags.
Lesson Synopsis
The Build a Big Wheel lesson explores how engineers have developed big wheels or Ferris wheels. Students explore the history of wheels, their design, and develop their own wheel using pasta, glue, and optionally, teabags. Student teams design their own wheels on paper, execute their plan, and evaluate the strategies employed all student teams.
Age Levels: 8-18
Objectives
- Learn about engineering design.
- Learn about motion, load, and construction.
- Learn about teamwork and working in groups.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
- structural engineering and design
- problem solving
- teamwork
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Lesson Activities
Students learn how big wheels have been designed throughout history, and then work in teams to develop a design for their own pasta wheel. Teams plan their wheel, execute construction, troubleshoot, evaluate their own work and that of other students, and present to the class.
Resources/Materials
- Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
- Student Worksheets (attached)
- Student Resource Sheets (attached)
Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.
Categories
Buildings And Structures, Engineering Design, Motion And Forces
Take Survey
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