What are some cool science fair projects?

What are some good science fair projects for 6th grade that include Ferris wheel models?

• I have a daughter that needs to do her science fair project on the Ferris wheel, she's in 6th grade and we were wondering what to do. One thing we were thinking was " Does the speed of the rotation of a ferris wheel effect the safety of the riders to stay in their seats." Is this a good 6th grade question? I have never experienced a science fair with myself or my other kids in this grade so that is why I need help. We are able and want to use a Ferris wheel model that is in a kit. We were thinking about using the one made by knex. Is this model easy to build because we need it fairly quick. I will give 10 points to the first person with a few clear and easy ideas for this project because I need ad-least 5 for my daughters teacher to look at by Monday. Thanks

• Answer:

  It would look like a good and appropriate project to be undertaken. I know nothing about the kit and it quite possible involves some assembly work. If it is worth doing it will involve some work. To exhibit the safety of the ferris wheel you will have to be able to be able to rotate it at various rotational speeds. Check the Knex unit and see if the rotational speed can be changed as is or whether you will need to have alternate power sources available. If it rotates at a reasonable speed you should be able to insert an object of some sorts in the seats and they should stay in place. What you will have develop is a pulley or gearing system to speed the unit up until the object in the seat is thrown out. This may not be simple but it would be quite effective. Otherwise the effect could be developed with diagrams that exhibit the results of the speed changes. A little math will also support your diagrams and they could also be displayed. This solution would be a little heavy for a 6th grade student to explain and support. The rotational solution would be self explanatory.