Mini
Getting the roller coaster car onto
the display in the museum.
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STANDARDS
S8P3. . Demonstrate the effect of simple
machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley,
wedge, screw, and wheel and axle) on work.
SPS8. Students will determine relationships
among force, mass, and motion.
e. Calculate amounts of work and mechanical
advantage using simple machines
High School
Previously you successfully moved the Mini
Mine Train coaster car into the Six Flags
Museum of Rides. The floors, car and door
remain intact. Nice Work!
Your new task is to investigate simple and
compound machines and engineer a method
by which you can safely get the coaster car up
on the display stage.
In order to SAFELY lift the coaster car you must know the
following information:
• OSHA mandates that your worker apply no more than 900N of
force.
• The coaster weighs 4500N
• This means you must have a significantly
reduced applied force.
• Height of display stage: (to scale) 14.5 cm
• Distance from door to stage: (to scale) 80cm
• Height of ceiling (to scale) .55m
900 N
Solution
Group demonstration using your scale model
(40% of your total grade)
1.
◦ must successfully lift the coaster car and meet the
height, length and OSHA requirements
Individual engineering plan which includes
(60% of your total grade):
2.
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Problem & solution discussion with diagram/picture
Calculations of IMA, AMA, ME
Force/distance trade-offs
Solution analysis
You will investigate :
 Work
 Mechanical advantage
 Mechanical efficiency
 Power
As they relate to:
 inclined planes
 Levers
 Pulleys
 Wheel & axle
 Screws
 Compound machines
Process