Simple Machines: Speedy Motion Makers

Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

Students will be able to define measurable criteria and constraints for a safe Orlando theme park loading system that redirects a cart and moves it at two different speeds.

Students will be able to analyze how a pulley, lever, or wheel-and-axle system transfers force and can change an object's position or direction of motion.

Students will be able to calculate and compare cart speeds using measured distance and travel time.

Students will be able to generate and compare multiple loading-system concepts using annotated engineering drawings and a simple decision matrix.

Students will be able to test a loading-system model by changing one variable at a time and collecting repeated measurements of distance, time, speed, and direction.

Students will be able to optimize and justify a loading-system design by using test evidence to make, retest, and communicate an improvement.

Products

individual

Theme Park Loading-System Engineering Notebook and Concept Portfolio

Each student produces an engineering notebook containing the problem definition, three distinct annotated concepts, a simple decision matrix, a controlled-test plan, speed calculations, analysis of prototype data, and an independently justified improvement. The student's concepts must be considered during the team's selection process.

team

Tested and Improved Orlando Theme Park Loading-System Prototype

Each team builds a classroom-safe prototype that uses a pulley, lever, or wheel and axle to redirect force and move only a model cart or load at two measured speeds, then revises it at least once based on repeated test data. Teams present the working model, professional-style drawing, decision matrix, performance evidence, trade-offs, and limitations to a Disney Imagineering feedback panel if available or an invited engineer and school-community panel.

Rubric

Mastery-Based Rubric Standards-first rubric

Category	Standard	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Proficient (3)	Exceeding (4)
Florida	SC.4.P.12.1 - Recognize that an object in motion always changes its position and may change its direction.	I can describe, with support, that a cart or ride model in motion changes its position and may change direction, and I can notice that different setups may move at different speeds I can help test one simple machine in a model, but my observations and measurements may be incomplete or need reminders to compare results.	I can explain that an object in motion changes position and may change direction, and I can measure a cart’s distance and time to compare two speeds in a simple test I can identify one change I made to a pulley, lever, or wheel-and-axle model and tell whether it made the cart move faster, slower, or in a different direction.	I can investigate a model loading system by changing one variable at a time, measuring distance and time across repeated trials, and comparing how the simple machine redirects force and affects speed I can use my evidence to explain cause and effect, and I can suggest one specific improvement to make the prototype safer or more effective.	I can design, test, and revise a small-scale Orlando theme park loading-system prototype that uses a pulley, lever, or wheel and axle to redirect force and move a cart at two planned speeds I can clearly present accurate motion data, explain how my design changes direction and speed, and justify revisions using repeated test results and safety evidence.
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.	I can build or use a simple model that shows a cart moving, but I may need help measuring distance and time I can tell that the cart changes position and sometimes moves faster or slower, but I do not yet explain how the measurements show speed.	I can measure a cart’s distance and travel time with support and compare two trials I can describe that speed depends on how far the cart goes in a unit of time, and I can make one small change to the model to see whether it moves faster, slower, or in a different direction.	I can test a simple machine model by measuring distance and time in repeated trials and comparing two different speeds I can explain how changing one variable affects the cart’s motion and describe whether the simple machine redirects force safely and effectively.	I can independently design, test, and revise a loading-system prototype that uses a simple machine to move a cart at two planned speeds I can use my data to explain how distance and time prove the cart’s speed, justify why my design works, and propose specific improvements to make the system safer and more reliable.