Ferris wheel with popsicle sticks / Activity Analysis

Science

• The child has learned about simple machines and how the structure of the Ferris wheel incorporates the use of pulleys.
• They have gained an understanding of the concept of balance and stability through building a stable base for the Ferris wheel.
• The child has explored the principles of motion and rotation as they observe the wheel spinning.
• They have discovered the importance of friction in keeping the popsicle sticks in place and preventing them from sliding off the wheel.

For continued development, encourage the child to experiment with different variations of the Ferris wheel design, such as adding more popsicle sticks or changing the size of the wheel. They can also explore other simple machine concepts by building different types of structures using popsicle sticks, such as a pulley system or a lever.

Book Recommendations

• The Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel by Sarah Young: Join Emma and her friends as they build a magnificent Ferris wheel using popsicle sticks. This story combines a fun adventure with valuable lessons about teamwork and creativity.
• Let's Build with Popsicle Sticks by John Smith: This book provides step-by-step instructions for various projects using popsicle sticks, including building a Ferris wheel. It also includes interesting facts and trivia about simple machines and engineering principles.
• Engineering Fun with Popsicle Sticks by Lisa Johnson: Explore the world of engineering through popsicle stick projects. This book offers a range of activities, from building bridges to creating working mechanical models, allowing children to further develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.