Amusement Ride Machine

Downloadable (1 PDF - 6 pages)

Ideal for grades 4-8, this design challenge guides students to create a prototype of a ride or an amusement park attraction, and use their knowledge of simple machines to label the different components of their prototype. Extensions are possible to incorporate potential and kinetic energy identification within the project.

After completing this design challenge, students will:

• Understand different components of a simple machines

Resources included:

• Lesson plan
• Student worksheet

Additional resources required per group:

• Poster paper
• Various prototype materials including: Toilet/paper towel rolls, cardboard or construction paper, plastic cups, Styrofoam balls, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, paint, paint brushes, markers, glue, tape
• Other materials as desired