Cable Car
Source Institutions
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Community Science Workshop Network
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In this activity, learners string a line across the room and build cable cars that can move from on end to the other. Learners construct their cable cars out of wood sticks, motors, and electrical circuits. Use this activity to introduce how cable cars work as well as physics principles related to center of gravity, rotational motion, electricity, and motors.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 1 paperclip, large
- 2 paperclips, small
- 1 wood stick, 1 in. x 2 in. x 6 in.
- 4 electrical wires
- 1 AA battery
- 2 craft sticks
- 2 tacks
- 1 glue stick, 1/8 in. long
- foil
- tape, masking & electrical
- suspended string or wire to hang the cable car
- hot glue gun
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Motors
- Electric Circuits
- Energy
- Energy and Power
- Work and Machines
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Rotation Motion
- Center of Gravity
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Electronics
- Model Building
- Toys
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- 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:
- Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, ©2011
