Why are wheels circular in shape
From Algodoo
Why are wheels circular in shape
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Description: | This lesson allows the student to examine the motion of circular, triangular, rectangular and irregular objects on a plane. What type of motions can be observed? Can boxes roll? Build a simple transportation vehicle. Experiment with with different shapes on the wheels. Why are wheels circular in shape? |
| Target: | Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 |
| Category: | Demonstration |
| Discipline: | Dynamic forces, Motion |
| Learning objectives: |
Knowing about rolling motion. Understanding of the wheel and simple transportation vehicles. Evaluate different designs. |
| In class: | Start by discussing the problem of moving heavy objects over distances.
- What type of machines are there? - When are wheeled machines used for this? - What are the drawbacks with using other machines - e.g. cranes have limitied range, flying machines and robots are expensive? - Are there wheeled vehicles with no motor? Use Algodoo for studying the motion of circular, rectangular and irregular objects on a plane. - What type of motions are observed? - What is special with rolling? - Can a box roll? Experiment with dragging a heavy box over objects of different shapes. Let the student construct simple vehicles with wheels of different shapes. Why are wheels circular in shape? Encourage the students to follow the procedure Create – Predict – Interact – Evaluate. |
Create a scene
Experiment with dragging a heavy box over objects of different shapes.
What is the behaviour?
Make a prediction
How will a vehicle with irregular shaped wheels behave?
What are the advantages of having circular shaped wheels?
Run/Interact
Evaluate
How long do they roll?
Adding a motor to the hinge and visualizing velocity arrows may help the analysis.
