Tanner Van Wey
11/13/13
Period 4
Ferris Wheel Project
Introduction/Purpose:
We had to discover the times, speeds, and distances of the rotations of the Ferris
wheel. Trigonometry was used, and we had to convert distance into time to find the speed
of the Ferris wheels rotations. We also had to use Sin and Cos functions. We had to
construct our own Ferris wheel with K’NEX so we could do this. The Ferris wheel had its
own motor allowing it to turn either clock-wise or counter clock-wise. We did this
activity so we would have a better understanding of trigonometry and angular velocity.
We were supposed to learn sine and cosine functions.
Materials:
 Meter stick/Ruler
 K'NEX
 Pencil
 Data Paper
 Motor
 2 Double A Batteries
Procedure:
1. We had to build with Ferris wheel this K’NEX pieces.
2. The instruction manual was followed step by step to build the Ferris Wheel.
3. We had the measure the height of the Ferris wheel with a meter stick and determine
the Ferris wheels amplitude.
4. Record the time it takes for the Ferris wheel to make one full revolution with a stop
watch.
5. Determine the angular velocity and linear speed, and calculate a sine function..
6. Determine how long it takes the Ferris wheel to move from a starting point to certain
set points.
7. Graph all of the times that you have discovered from step 5.
8. Plot the data in the table using a graphing calculator.
Times (seconds)
0
.39
.58
1.22
1.3
1.59
1.99
2.6
2.73
3.12
3.31
3.95
Height of Seat (cm)
35
50
55
50
35
20
15
20
35
50
55
50
Observations/Data:
4.03
4.32
4.72
5.33
5.46
35
20
15
20
35
KEY
BLACK= 1 revolution
RED= 2 revolutions
Analysis and Calculations:
Calculator Function: y=23.23sin[2.29(x-0.04)]+33.94
Linear Speed: (2)(3.14)(r)/[2(3.14)(20)]/2.73 = 46 cm/sec
Angular Velocity: degrees/seconds 360/2.73 = 131.87 degrees/second
Function by Hand: y=20sin[3.14/.73(x)]+35
Equation by hand
Equation by Calculator
Conclusion:
The Purpose of this project was to learn how to use trigonometry and sine functions. This
project helped me understand sine and cosine functions a lot better. I am also more
understanding with trigonometry as a whole. I didn’t know how to discover angular
velocity and linear speed before this project but now I do. It relates to the concepts we’ve
been learning because we have been learning sine and cosine functions.