TECHNOLOGY: SCIENCE & MATH IN ACTION
Book Two Glencoe 1995

The objective of Maglev Trains is:
 
To explain how maglev trains are different from railroad trains commonly used today.
To describe principles of magnetism and tell how they are applied in maglev systems.
To define electromagnetism and explain its role in suspending and propelling a maglev train.
To identify uses of maglev trains.
To give possible advantages and disadvantages of maglev systems.
To design and build a maglev vehicle and build a guideway on which the vehicle will levitate.

State Standards addressed.

Day 1&2

 The "Mag" in Maglev: Magnetism
  Page 114

Objective:

 To describe principles of magnetism and tell how they are applied in maglev systems.

Preliminary Activity:

 Challenge 1 page 112

Materials:

 paper clip, thread or string, thumbtacks, piece of wood per student, a magnet for each student.

Activity:

 Magnetic Lines of Force page 115

Magnetic Poles page 116

Interaction of Magnetic Poles page 117

Materials:
  • Magnetic Lines of Force Activity
  • bar magnet
  • iron filings
  • sheet of paper
  • Magnetic Poles Activity
  • bar magnet
  • thread
  • Interaction of Magnetic Poles
  • two bar magnets with thread (as in the previous activity)
  • tape or paint

Evaluation:

 The correct completion of the activity sheets. An expressed understanding during class discussion and final test.
   

Day 3

 Highlights in the History of Maglev Trains
  Pages 118-119

Objective:

 To explain how maglev trains are different from railroad trains commonly used today.

Evaluation:

 An expressed understanding in the history of maglev trains during class discussion and final test.

 

Day 4

 Making a Magnet & Electromagnetism
  Page 120

Objective:

 To define electromagnetism and explain its role in suspending and propelling a maglev train.

Activity:

 Making an electromagnet page 121

Activity sheet 4-B pages 137-138

Materials:

 D battery, large iron nail, 22-gauge insulated wire, small metal objects such as paper clips, wire strippers or scissors, wire cutter or diagonal pliers, drinking straw to fit over nail - same length as shaft of nail, masking tape, compass, safety glasses or goggles.

Evaluation:

 The correct completion of the activity sheets. An expressed understanding during class. Discussion and final test.
   

Day 5

 Making a Magnet & Electromagnetism(Continued from day 4)

Direct and Alternating Current ( page 122)

Objective:

 To define electromagnetism and explain its role in suspending and propelling a maglev train.

Activity:

 Making an electric motor - page 122

Activity sheet 4-A - pages 135-136

Materials:

 insulated wire - 22 gauge, wire cutter, masking tape, steel knitting needle, wooden board, 4 nails, 2 bar magnets, 2 wood blocks, 2 lengths of 16 gauge insulated wire, 6 volt battery, safety glasses or goggles.

Evaluation:

 The correct completion of the activity sheets. An expressed understanding during class. Discussion and final test.

 

Day 6,7,8,9

 What’s Behind the Magic? Levitating Maglev Trains, Moving Maglev Trains & Superconductors

pages 122-124

Objective:

 To design and build a maglev vehicle and build a guideway on which the vehicle will levitate.

Activity:

 Module Activity 4 - Building a Maglev Vehicle page 129-132

Module Log sheet page 133-134

Materials:

 safety glasses or goggles, tools as specified by your teacher.
 
Guideway
Magnetic strip, self adhesive
fasteners
Base: plywood
Side Rails: angle aluminum or wood blocks or Plexiglas™
 
Vehicle
Magnetic strip, self adhesive
Base:
¼" hardboard or plywood
Body:
cardboard, plastic foam, wood, foamboard, paper
 
Other Materials:
masking tape, hot glue, markers, paints, adhesives

Evaluation:

 The student will follow building specifications, work in a cooperative manner with others, use proper care and safety when using tools and materials and correctly complete the module 4 log sheet.

 

 

Day 10

 Uses for Maglev Trains & Careers
  Pages 125-127

Objective:

 To identify uses of maglev trains.

Evaluation:

 An expressed understanding of the uses and careers related to maglev trains during class discussion and final test.

 

Day 11

 Maglev Trains: Why?…Why Not?
  Page 128

Objective:

 To give possible advantages and disadvantages to maglev systems.

Evaluation:

 An expressed understanding of the uses and careers related to maglev trains during class discussion and final test.

 

  Homework Assignments:
   

Ongoing Module Homework

 Due, for use in class, on last day of module. Do research to learn about the social and economic effects of railroads in North America. "Do you think maglev transportation will someday have similar effects? Why or why not?
   

Day 1

 Making a magnet - side bar on page 120

This activity will show that you can make a paper clip act like a magnet.
   

Days 5-8

 Building a Maglev Vehicle - pages 129-132

This activity students will design and build a maglev vehicle and build a guideway on which the vehicle will levitate.

Students will have time to work on this activity in class but should be urged to continue the activity at home as well.
   

Day 7

 Making a bar graph - side bar on page 125

This activity students will make a bar graph to compare the data from various airports for flights of 400 miles or less.

Use activity sheet found on page 139-140.

   

Day 9

 Careers - page 126-127

Select one of the careers discussed during class and make a list of the job duties. Next to each duty, write how knowledge of math, science, and/or technology would be used in performing that job duty.