Conveyor Engineering

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In this activity, learners explore the engineering behind the conveyor belt and consider the impact this invention has had on transportation and the coordinated shipping and delivery of goods. Teams design and build a conveyor system out of everyday materials that can transport pieces of candy 4 feet (120cm). The conveyor must make a 90 degree turn as it moves along. Teams design their system, build and test it, evaluate their designs, and share observations.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Candy or similar sized items
  • Tubes (can be paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, or pvc piping or other similar materials - or even rows of soda bottles or pencils)
  • Rubber bands
  • Ball bearings
  • Balls
  • Fabric sheets
  • String
  • Gears
  • Handles
  • Paper cups
  • Straws
  • Paper towels
  • Paper clips
  • Tape
  • Soda bottles
  • Glue
  • String
  • Foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Paper
  • Hose or tubes
  • Crayons

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
    • Technology
      • Transportation
      • Manufacturing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,