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4th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Simple Machines: Speedy Motion Makers

Sarah F
Updated
SC.4.P.12.1
SC.4.P.12.2
Modeling systems
Testing variables
Understanding causality
+ 2 more
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The Challenge

You are part of an Orlando theme park engineering team responsible for ensuring ride and loading systems move people and objects safely and efficiently. Your challenge is to understand how simple machines redirect force and affect an object’s direction and speed, because poorly controlled motion can cause unsafe loading, delays, and unreliable operation across transportation and entertainment systems.

Challenge Question

How might we design a safe loading-system prototype for an Orlando theme park so that ride operators can use simple machines to move cars in different directions and at different speeds?

Standards

  • [Florida] SC.4.P.12.1 - Recognize that an object in motion always changes its position and may change its direction.
  • [Florida] SC.4.P.12.2 - Investigate and describe that the speed of an object is determined by the distance it travels in a unit of time and that objects can move at different speeds.

Competencies

  • Scientific Investigation - Modeling systems (FL.MST.4.c)
  • Scientific Investigation - Testing variables (FL.MST.4.a)
  • Scientific Investigation - Understanding causality (FL.MST.4.d)
  • Problem Solving - Proposing improvements (OT.PS.2.e)
  • Problem Solving - Using design techniques (OT.PS.2.c)

Learning Partners and Clients

Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando could serve as the project’s learning partner and client. Its ride and attraction engineers could provide feedback on prototypes that safely redirect force and change cart speed, and may consider the models as early concept ideas. Outreach can occur through Disney’s public corporate or careers channels.

Phase Overview

Phase Key Experiences
Discover
I can investigate a simulated Orlando theme park loading challenge to identify how force direction and cart speed may cause safety problems.
Examine
I can explore pulleys, levers, and wheel-and-axle systems to explain how each redirects force and changes motion. I can measure distance and time to calculate and compare cart speeds. I can change one variable at a time to determine what causes a cart to move faster, slower, or in a different direction.
Engineer
I can develop a small-scale theme park loading-system prototype that uses a pulley, lever, or wheel and axle to redirect force and safely move a cart at two planned speeds.
Do
I can operate my loading system, measure the cart’s distance and travel time across repeated trials, compare its two speeds, and use the evidence to judge its safety and effectiveness.
Share
I can share my prototype demonstration, motion data, revision story, and what I learned about myself as an engineer with a Disney Imagineering feedback panel and invited school community.