Sponsors:
Acton-Boxborough 1999-2000
The Marvelous Miracle Motion MachinePowerpoint Presentation | Meet the team
The team had many first ideas ranging from:
- natural disasters
- factory machines
- controlled robots
- Lego Dacta
- flight
- catapults
- roller coasters
- solar powered boats
- Rube Goldberg machine
- K'nex ball factory
- color/light sensors
Their Final Decision:
A roller coaster-type ball track that...
- conveys concepts of physical science
- demonstrates energy changes
- demonstrates trajectory
- features parts adjustable by visitor
- is fun, attractive, and easy to use
- people can learn from interacting with the exhibit
The team researched...
- trampoline
- jump
- slope
- loop
- zig-zag
Their Design Process:
- Come up with an idea
- Specifications
- Brainstorming and Prototyping
- Testing: materials, shapes, and space/dimensions
- Construct: cutting, routering, sanding, attaching, painting
Obstacles they Faced During the Design Process:
- Time Limit
- Amount of Space
- Accessibility for the Disabled
- Our Audience
- Safety Hazards
- Durability
- Explaining Concepts
- Making Exhibit Interactive
- Easy to Use
- Appropriate Materials
From their exhibit, they want visitors to learn about:
- conservation of energy
- energy changes
- trajectory
- gravity
- laws of physics that apply to our exhibit
Related Links
Roller Coaster Science
[http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/tf/books/
constructions.html]Amusement Park Physics
[http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/]Coasterville
[http://coasterville.com/]Discovery Channel: Roller Coasters
[http://www.discovery.com/exp/rollercoasters/
rollercoasters.html]
