Chair Lift Challenge

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In this activity, learners explore the unique challenges in transportation engineering, such as devising a method for skiers or hikers to get to the top of a mountain. Students work in teams to design a chair lift made out of everyday materials that can carry a tennis ball up a rope line and back down in a controlled manner so that the ball does not fall out of the cup. They sketch their plans, consider material selection, build their system, test it, reflect on the challenge, and present their experiences to their class.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Ping pong balls
  • String
  • Floral wire
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Bendable aluminum wire
  • Straws
  • Paper towel tubes
  • Paper clips
  • Tape
  • Balloons
  • Glue
  • String
  • Foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Pulleys

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
    • Technology
      • Transportation
  • 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
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Sports and Exercise
  • 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,