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STEM
Ferris and
His Wheel
Carly and Adam
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 NGSS STANDARDS
Grades K-2

K-2-ETS1-1 Engineering Design

Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a
situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be
solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

K-2-ETS1-2 Engineering Design

Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the
shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Grades 3-5

3-5-ETS1-2 Engineering Design

Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well
each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-3 Engineering Design

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure
points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can
be improved.

©CarlyAndAdam
 CCSS STANDARDS
Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1
Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book
they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion,
and provide some sense of closure.

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.1
Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are
writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion,
use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and
reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section.

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.A
Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and
create an organizational structure that lists reasons.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.B
Provide reasons that support the opinion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.C
Use linking words and phrases
(e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and
reasons.

©CarlyAndAdam
 CCSS STANDARDS
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1.D
Provide a concluding statement or section.

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons and information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.A
Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an
organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the
writer's purpose.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.B
Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.C
Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in
order to, in addition).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1.D
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion
presented.

©CarlyAndAdam
FERRIS WHEEL STEM
Teacher Instructions
Materials:
• wheel cutouts
• markers, crayons, and/or colored pencils
• straws
• scissors
• tape
• pencils and STEM journals
• Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis
(optional)

Instructions:
• This challenge is a great activity to complete after
reading Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs
Davis. The activity can stand alone, but it is best if
students are familiar with the book.
• Review the vocabulary cards with students.
• Have students read the challenge instructions or read
them together as a class.
• Students must design and build a Ferris Wheel that
rotates around an axle.

©Carly and Adam

FERRIS WHEEL STEM
Instructions:
• Younger students may just build the wheel and axle.
Students may hold on to the axle (straw) or tape it in
between two desks.
• Challenge older students to build a stand for the
wheel and axle.
• Give students 10 minutes to plan individually and
then 10 minutes to plan as a team. Use the included
planning pages.
• Give students the materials. Students will have 30
minutes to construct their design. Increase or
decrease time depending on the ages and needs of
students.
• When the time limit is up, have students test their
designs and make improvements.
• At the end of the activity have students reflect on
their designs.
• As an extension activity, students can come up with
an alternative idea to submit for the World’s Fair other
than the Ferris Wheel.
• Students should fill out the World’s Fair application
and write a letter to fair judges persuading them to
pick their idea.
©Carly and Adam
FERRIS WHEEL STEM
Teacher Instructions: EXAMPLE

©Carly and Adam

 Wheel Cutouts
Directions: Print the wheels on cardstock, and give 2 wheel
cutouts to each group.

©CarlyAndAdam
 Vocabulary
Directions: Use the vocabulary cards to pre-teach the
vocabulary words before completing the activities.

Technology: the use of science

and knowledge to solve
problems or invent useful tools.

Engineer: a person who designs

machines, products, or systems in
order to solve a problem.

Wheel and Axle: a type of

simple machine. The axle is a
rod that goes through the
wheel and holds it in place so
that it is able to spin.

©Carly and Adam

 Vocabulary
Directions: Use the vocabulary cards to pre-teach the
vocabulary words before completing the activities.

Technology: the use of science

and knowledge to solve
problems or invent useful tools.

Engineer: a person who designs

machines, products, or systems in
order to solve a problem.

Wheel and Axle: a type of

simple machine. The axle is a
rod that goes through the
wheel and holds it in place so
that it is able to spin.

©Carly and Adam

_______________'S
FERRIS WHEEL
STEM
JOURNAL©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

Dear Students,

Imagine that you are designing the Ferris Wheel for the
World’s Fair.

As you create your Ferris Wheel, you must design it so that

it spins around an axle. As an added challenge design a
stand to support your wheel and axle.

You will have 10 minutes to plan your design individually

and 10 minutes to plan as a team. Your team will have 30
minutes to construct your Ferris Wheel. At the end of the
time limit you will test your design and make improvements.

Materials:
wheel cutouts tape straws
scissors markers, crayons, and/or colored pencils

©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

ASK
What is the problem you are trying to solve?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

IMAGINE
Imagine the best way to solve the problem on your own.
Sketch out your design and brainstorm a list of ideas.
Think about:
• How will your wheel spin around the axle?
• What will you design to support your wheel and axle?
• What challenges could come up during construction?

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

PLAN
With your group, sketch out your plan to solve the problem.

©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

CREATE
Build your Ferris Wheel.

EXPERIMENT
Does your Ferris Wheel spin around the axle?

IMPROVE
What could you do to improve your design?

_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

ASK IMAGINE

IMPROVE PLAN

EXPERIMENT CREATE

©CarlyAndAdam
 World’s Fair Application
Name:_______________________
Directions: Draw a picture of the new technology you want
featured at the World’s Fair and answer the questions about
your design.
Name of Design:

_____________________________

How much will it cost to build?

_____________________________

What materials is it made of?

_____________________________
How does it work? What problem does it solve?
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
©Carly and Adam
Name:_______________________

Directions: Write a letter to the fair judges explaining your

design. Persuade the judges to use your design for the World’s
Fair. Use the graphic organizer to plan your writing.

My Opinion:

Reason #1:

Reason #2:

Reason #3:

Conclusion:

©CarlyAndAdam
Name:_______________________

Directions: Write a letter to the fair judges explaining your

design. Persuade the judges to use your design for the World’s
Fair. Use the graphic organizer to plan your writing.

My Opinion:

Reason #1 Reason #2 Reason #3

Example: Example: Example:

C C C

Example: Example: Example:

Conclusion:

©CarlyAndAdam
Dear ________________________,

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Sincerely,

________________________
©CarlyAndAdam
Dear ________________________,

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Sincerely,

________________________
©CarlyAndAdam
Dear ________________________,

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

©CarlyAndAdam
_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Sincerely,

________________________
©CarlyAndAdam
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CREDITS

©Carly and Adam

 Carly and Adam
ABOUT US
Carly is a 3rd grade teacher in Indianapolis,
Indiana. Her professional experience includes: 2nd,
3rd, and 6th grades, both private school and
public schools.
Adam helps with the business side of Teachers
Pay Teachers.

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