How to Build a Ferris Wheel as a School Project

••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

Building a Ferris wheel is one way to show physics at play. The reason carts of the Ferris wheel rotate around the axis without people in them plummeting to the ground is a mystery, unless you understand the basics of physics. This is why many teachers assign the task of building a Ferris wheel to their students. Building a Ferris wheel may feel like a daunting task, but with some time, patience and planning, you can surely build a Ferris wheel for your school project. Simply follow a few easy steps.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Cut two circles that are 12 inches in diameter out of the cardboard. Ensure that the circles are exactly the same size.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Divide each of the two circles into seven equal wedges, much like a slice of pie. Draw lines with a marker to show the dividing lines of the wedges so you can identify each of the wedges easily.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Decorate your Ferris wheel with markers, construction paper, glue and paint. Though decorations are not necessary to the function of your Ferris wheel, they can make the Ferris wheel more visually appealing.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Use the markers to draw people riding the Ferris wheel. The people should be on the inside of each wedge.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Use your scissors to cut a small "X" into the cardboard approximately 1 inch from the outside of the circle. Cut one "X" on each of the wedges of cardboard.

    ••• Mekenzie Hemstreet/Demand Media

    Push a marker through one of the "X" marks on one circle. Then push the marker through the corresponding "X" on the remaining circle. Repeat this for each of the "X" marks on the cardboard.

    Things You'll Need

    • 2 pieces of cardboard at least 12 inches long by 12 inches wide
    • Scissors
    • Ruler
    • Markers
    • Colored construction paper
    • Glue
    • Paint

Related Articles

High School PI Day Projects
How to Draw an Equilateral Triangle Without a Compass
How to Divide a Circle Into Equal Segments
Math Projects Using Circles
How to Find the Distance Between Two Points on a Circle
How to Make a Math Puzzle
How to Make a 3D Cone Shape
How to Make a String Puppet for a School Project
How to Make a Canoe for a School Project
How to Make an Electric Fan
Differences Between Circumference & Diameter
How to Construct a 70 Degree Angle
How to Build a Solar System for Kids
Self-Powered Car Science Projects
How to Calculate Circumference in Feet
How to Make a Simple Machine for a Science Project
How to Find the Radius of an Arc
Activities for Proving Triangles Are Congruent
How to Make a 3D Hexagon
How to Build a Solar System Model for Kids

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!