Title
Fairground Rides
Description
Year 8 Modified Curriculum
Objectives
To allow the students to investigate the systems which control fairground rides and how they can be duplicated in the school workshop.
Equipment Required
Full range of workshop equipment, tools and materials.
Key Stage 3
Area Designing/Making
Level 2/3
Richard Murray
Abbey Hill School Technology College
Plan
Introduce the topic and have the students suggest some of their favourite rides, these can be listed on the board. Go through the list and remove those which will prove too difficult. It might be an idea to grade the work easy, medium and difficult so that the students can see what they are letting themselves in for. Success is important and falling too badly could put them off for a while. These projects have consistently had students biting off more than they can chew, take care.
Demonstrate hydraulics and pneumatics with syringes. Remind the students how the buggy wheels were powered and suggest a roundabout might use the same method.
Describe powered roundabouts and the way students think that about 2000RPM is about right. The roundabouts should revolve at a realistic rate.
Students can now choose the ride they are interested in and if a couple are ambitious they might choose to work together to make a better project in the time available than they might have managed alone.
Colours and lights are an important part of fairgrounds and should not be forgotten.
From the sketches produced the students should produce a simple working drawing with some dimensions on it. A work plan will also be necessary.
The model may now be constructed and help will be offered individually as required. As before core skills will be demonstrated to the whole group if considered necessary. Once finished and painted the model will require testing and this usually requires a brave Lego man to do the honours. He should not need to be tied in too tightly, but should be held in place by the forces generated.
Any changes to the design should be noted in the students file.
