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Let's design and construct a Maglev vehicle !!!
For your challenge you will design, construct and test
magnetic levitating vehicles designed for speed and economy !!!
I. Introductory Activity
Obtain a "Maglev Technology" vocabulary worksheet from your instructor or download and print the pdf file below.
Visit the How Maglev Trains Work website.
Find the definitions to the terms on the worksheet using the Internet.
Turn on your call light and your instructor will check and grade your work.
II. Assembling the Maglev Vehicle Chassis
Turn on your call light or raise your hand and your instructor will issue you four magnets and a rectangular foam board to construct a maglev base.
Sand the edges of the foam board to ensure it slides easily inside the maglev track rails.
Orient the magnets so they repel the magnets on the maglev track
Using hot glue, attach one magnet in each corner of the foam board.
Don't use an excessive amount of hot glue as this will add mass to your vehicle which could reduce it's speed. Then again, maybe the excess weight will assist in a speed test using gravity. Do your research.
Test your work on the maglev track, you should be able to propel your vehicle down range without any significant problems.
If you're not satisfied with your engineering, return to the "drawing board" and try again.
III. Gravity Test
Construct a vehicle that travels the length of the track under the force of gravity. The track slopes downward with a vertical drop of 1 foot over its 8 foot length. The vehicle's travel time down the track carrying a variable load should give the highest figure of merit (FOM), calculated by the formula posted below. The minimum load a student's vehicle must support the length of the maglev track is 200g.
Materials:
Four hobby sticks
scratch paper
4-8 magnets
Foam board chassis
Hot glue gun
Glue slugs
A load, usually pennies
Take care of your magnets and your foam board, you will need to use them again !!!
Figure of Merit (Evaluation Criteria):
P = Mass > 200g
D = Length of Track = 8 ft
N = Magnets (4)
T = Time
IV. Wind Power
Construct a vehicle that travels the length of the track powered by wind. The wind will be provided by a three-speed fan. The fan will be run at the highest speed level. The fan axis shall be parallel to the track centerline, and the front surface of the fan shall be located as close as possible to the “start time measuring device” or mark. Vehicles will be place on the track with the fan on, their front end at aligned with the “starting line” and then released from this stationary position. No “flying starts” are allowed; the wind must supply the force to accelerate and propel the vehicle. The vehicle should travel the length of the track in the shortest possible time.
Students can use any materials in the shop, with prior permission from the teacher, to design and construct their wind powered maglev vehicle. For example, dowel rods, card board, tissue, straws, rubber bands, twist ties, hobby sticks, etc. can be used.
Take care of your magnets, you will need to use them again !!!
V. Electrified Track
Launch the following videos to get some ideas on a design for your electric motor powered maglev vehicle.
Take notes on the back of your vocabulary worksheet, each student should have a thumbnail sketch of your design.
Your instructor should issue you a motor, two wires and solder.
Watch the following videos ---> Soldering Safety I and Soldering Safety II to learn how to solder wires onto electric motor contacts:
Score a 100% on the Soldering Safety Test
Take the Maglev Technology Test. You do not need to score 100% on this test, but you must score a 50% or higher. You can take the test as many times as possible to improve your grade and comprehension.
You will not receive your materials for the electric maglev vehicle unless you score 100% on the Soldering Safety test. Previous tests do not count.
IV. Soldering Wires onto your Maglev Motor
Obtain a soldering iron from the tool cabinet.
Remember to always wear safety glasses when in a work station in which a soldering iron is being used.
Take care of your motor, you will need to use it to power a plane in your next activity.
After soldering wires onto your motors, test your work by attaching the wires to an energized maglev track.
The motor shaft should rotate at a high rpm (revolutions per minute).
Turn on your call light and your instructor will grade your work.
V. Assembling your Maglev Vehicle:
The primary design consideration will be to mount the motor and propeller of your maglev vehicle in an optimum location and orientation on your vehicle.
You will be given the following materials:
Glue gun
Glue slugs
Foam block
Maglev base (with four magnets attached)
DC motor with wires
If you wish to use additional materials, check with your instructor before proceeding.
Your vehicle can utilize an electrified track or carry it's own power (battery).
If you need assistance, WATCH THE Maglev Car Design Challenge VIDEO FOR IDEAS.
Remember, this is a STEM problem-solving exercise, no whining allowed.
Having trouble?
watch this funny video to see how important problem-solving is in our daily lives ...
Be creative, be innovative, collaborate, have fun!
VI. Summative Assessment:
If you haven't already done so, take the following test ---> Maglev Technology
If you're not satisfied with your score, you are more than welcome to retake the test as many times as possible, but everybody must attempt this test.
You must design, construct and test an electric maglev vehicle to travel 8' in less than 10 seconds.
If you have difficulty completing this problem-solving activity, you can earn points by completing the following summative tests:
Electromagnetism Test
Good luck
You must design, construct and test a maglev vehicle to travel 8' in less than 10 seconds
VII. Assessments:
Maglev Vocabulary
Gravity Test
*Wind Test
*Electric Motor Test
Soldering Safety Test
Electromagnetism Test
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