Engineering Excitement: Creating the Ultimate Amusement Adventure
Mariana E
Updated
1-pager
Purpose
Students will collaboratively design and construct model amusement park rides, integrating engineering principles and technology to create innovative and functional designs. Through hands-on activities, they will explore concepts such as force, motion, and energy, while honing their skills in programming and robotics. This project aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, as students apply their knowledge to solve real-world challenges and bring their imaginative ideas to life.
Learning goals
Students will explore engineering concepts by designing and constructing model amusement park rides, applying principles of physics and mechanics. They will engage in collaborative problem-solving to troubleshoot and improve their designs, fostering critical thinking skills. Through programming and robotics, students will simulate ride operations, enhancing their understanding of technology's role in real-world applications.
Standards
NGSS - MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment.
NGSS - MS-PS3-5: Construct, use, and present arguments to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume, and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects.
Products
Students will collaboratively design, build, and program scale models of amusement park rides using materials such as LEGO robotics kits and simple electronic components. Throughout the project, they will create digital simulations of their rides using programming software to test and refine their designs. By the end of the 13 weeks, each team will present a fully operational model and a detailed project portfolio that documents their design process, challenges faced, and solutions developed.
Launch
Begin the project with a visit to a local amusement park or a virtual tour of various amusement parks around the world. Encourage students to observe and discuss the different types of rides, focusing on the engineering and technology involved. Follow this with a brainstorming session where students share their observations and initial ideas for designing their own ride, setting the stage for their project work.
Exhibition
Students will host an Amusement Park Expo, where they showcase their ride models and simulations to peers, teachers, and family members. Each group will present their design process, highlighting the engineering principles and technologies used. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the models, ask questions, and provide feedback. This event will also include a peer-voting system for categories like "Most Innovative Design" and "Best Use of Technology," fostering a sense of community and achievement.