Engineering Ups and Downs

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In this activity, learners explore the engineering and principles behind working elevators. Teams explore the history of elevators, elevator design, and develop their own working elevator using wheels, pulleys, string, cardboard and other materials. Learners design their toy car garage elevator first on paper, then execute their plan, and evaluate the strategies employed.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Glue
  • String
  • Paperclips
  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Cardboard
  • Cardboard tubes (such as from paper towel or toilet paper rolls)
  • Markers
  • Pulleys or thread spools (3)
  • Thin rope
  • String or fishing line
  • Cardboard box to serve as elevator room (shoe box, large milk carton)
  • Small toy cars

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
    • Technology
      • Transportation
      • Manufacturing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
  • 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
      • Technology and History
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • 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,