8. Fairground ride
This project provides a context for the children to learn about motor control. The fairground model must contain components that rotate. The children will learn how to create a script that will control the movement of the rotating components.
This project provides a context for the children to learn about motor control. The fairground model must contain components that rotate. The children will learn how to create a script that will control the movement of the rotating components.
Model:
Model:
There is no need to buy a fairground ride kit. In fact the children will learn much more if they design and build the ride themselves. This is an ideal STEM project.
There is no need to buy a fairground ride kit. In fact the children will learn much more if they design and build the ride themselves. This is an ideal STEM project.
See the page on Motor Control for essential background information.
See the page on Motor Control for essential background information.
The mechanism is very simple. A 6 volt motor with 200:1 gear box is glued to one end of the block and a pulley wheel is glued to the motor's spindle so that it lies horizontally on top of the block. A hole is drilled into the middle of the block, just large enough to allow a length of dowel to turn easily inside the hole. A pulley wheel is glued to the piece of dowel just above where it leaves the block so that it is at the same height as the other pulley. A rubber band is used to link the two pulleys. The model is then put over the protruding length of dowel.
The mechanism is very simple. A 6 volt motor with 200:1 gear box is glued to one end of the block and a pulley wheel is glued to the motor's spindle so that it lies horizontally on top of the block. A hole is drilled into the middle of the block, just large enough to allow a length of dowel to turn easily inside the hole. A pulley wheel is glued to the piece of dowel just above where it leaves the block so that it is at the same height as the other pulley. A rubber band is used to link the two pulleys. The model is then put over the protruding length of dowel.
Once the model has been built, it is brought to life with the motor. To learn how to control the motor, read my notes on page 7. Motor control.
Once the model has been built, it is brought to life with the motor. To learn how to control the motor, read my notes on page 7. Motor control.
Algorithm:
Algorithm:
The algorithm used will depend on each child and the ride experience they want for their customers. Here is an algorithm for a gentle ride for younger children.
The algorithm used will depend on each child and the ride experience they want for their customers. Here is an algorithm for a gentle ride for younger children.
Repeat 5 times
Repeat 5 times
Turn motor clockwise for 5 seconds
Turn motor clockwise for 5 seconds
Stop motor for 1 second
Stop motor for 1 second
Turn motor anticlockwise for 5 seconds
Turn motor anticlockwise for 5 seconds
Stop motor for 1 second
Stop motor for 1 second
End
End