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Energy at Play

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STEM CAREER:

Theme Park Design

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Being a theme park architect (or theme park designer) is a job many want and for this very reason, and that also makes it a tough gig to land. There are a variety of jobs that fall under the title theme park architect or designer. These jobs range from planning rides to working on the mechanics of rides to overseeing the whole feel and layout of a park.

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Newton and Me,

by Lynn Mayer

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Problem:

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Your teacher wants several ways to show certain principals about force and motion. Your group is going to make a tool to show one of the principals.

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The Challenge:

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A Newton’s cradle is a set of suspended spheres that show transfer of motion.

Create a Newton’s cradle using different materials.

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  1. What is the problem?
  2. What have others done to solve the problem?
  3. What are the criteria

and constraints?

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  1. What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas and list them.

�B. Choose the best idea and explain why you think it is the best.

�C. Brainstorm ideas for each part of the design chosen by your team.

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Materials:

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string, thread, or fishing line

5 marshmallows, marbles or washers

5 chenille stems or paper clips masking tape

box

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  1. Draw a diagram of your design.

On the drawing, label all parts clearly.

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B. Make a list of the materials you will use.

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A. Follow your plan and

create your design.

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B. Test it out!

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A. What works? What doesn't work?

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B. What could work better?

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C. Modify your design to make

it better.

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Reflect

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Original Design

How did your original design work?

What were the strengths? What were the weaknesses?

Redesign/Retest

Did you make any changes?

What changes did you make and why?

How did your changes impact your design?