Magnetic Levitation8th Grade Technology

Transportation Unit

Eric Wasacz, Ken Bouwens

Thomas Rozelle

Introduction

Transportation can be defined as the movement of people or goods. This can be as simple as pushing a cart, or flying a jet. As humankind has developed, we have searched for easier, faster, safer, and more convenient ways of transportation. One upcoming form of transportation that will meet these needs is the Maglev train.

Task

Your task for this WebQuest is to create a Maglev train that will move the entire length of the track set up in the classroom. The only resources that will be provided are a 9 volt DC motor with a propeller (for propulsion), and 6 magnets. You will then research and use your problem solving skills to create a train that not only floats, but moves down the track in under 8 seconds. At the end of the experience, you will write a summary and reflection on it.

Resources

Here are hyperlinks to websites where you can conduct your research.Magnetic PrinciplesHow Maglevs Work Introduction to AerodynamicsMaglev VideoPros and Cons of Maglevs

Process

1. To begin this task, you must organize yourselves into groups of 2.

2. You and your partner will then decide what specific tasks each would like to do. They can include:• Designer (responsible for producing an orthographic

sketch)• Researcher (responsible for finding out how to make the

train float)• Materials Specialist (responsible for finding the best

materials to use for train)• Documentation Specialist (responsible for taking notes

and writing important ideas)

Process (continued)

3. Complete your assigned tasks, and then consult with your group member to come up with an optimal design.

4. Create a Final Drawing of your planned Maglev.

5. Test the Polarity of the track! (Knowing this will help make your vehicle float!)

6. Start the construction of your maglev train

Process (continued)

7. After Construction is completed, test your maglev on the track.

8. Troubleshoot to make your maglev better and retest.

9. Hand in your Maglev car, rough and final design, and summary/reflection of your experience and why your team choose your design.

Evaluations

You will be graded on many factors they include:Summary and Reflection (40 pts)

What did you learn?Quality of Construction (20 pts)

Are pieces cut evenly and square?Quality of Design Drawings (20 pts)

Are your lines straight?Successful Run (20 pts)

Did your Maglev make it down the entire length of the track?

Did your Maglev make it down the track under 8 sec?

Conclusion

Upon the completion of this WebQuest, you will have a greater understanding of transportation. You can now see that there are alternatives to the conventional types (car, plane, bus), and that this system has evolved to meet the needs of humans.

Teacher Page

Introduction:This activity is a relatively new

activity that teaches your students about an up and coming alternative transportation, called the Maglev.

Content Area and Grade Level:This activity is for 8th grade and it

focuses on land transportation.

Teacher Page (continued)

Objectives:The student will be able to make a

Maglev train that travels the entire track in under 8 seconds with 90 percent accuracy.

The student will be able to summarize and reflect in writing about their Maglev train with 90 % accuracy.

Teacher Page (continued)

Standards:Standards for Technology Literacy

Standard 9,10,11, 12, & 18

MST Standard 5 (Intermediate)Engineering DesignTools, Resources, and Technological ProcessesTechnological Systems

MST Standard 4 (Intermediate)Physical Setting: Energy and matter interact

through forces that result in changes in motion.

Teacher Page (continued)

Implementation:Day 1: Process 1 and 2Day 2 - 4: Process 3Day 5: Process 4Day 6 - 7: Process 5 and 6Day 8 – 9: Process 7, 8Day 10: Process 9 and Class

discussion about the activity.

Teacher Page (continued)

Resources needed:Maglev track9 volt DC motor with a propeller6 magnets9 volt batteryWiresWood, Plastic, Foam – to make their

maglev’s out ofComputers with internet access

Teacher Page (continued)

Evaluation: The students will be graded on the

process, such as rough designs, final design and drawing, quality of construction, and final outcome of the activity, such as going down the track and being under 8 seconds. Also the student will be graded on the summary and reflection of the expereince.

Teacher Page (continued)

Conclusion:Through this WebQuest, your

students will learn about another form of transportation through researching, designing, problem solving, and creating a maglev.