Magnetic Levitation Track STEM Challenge (FME05)

Bring non-contact magnetic fields, magnetic force vectors (attraction vs. repulsion), gravitational force balance, mechanical friction elimination, and velocity math to life with the Magnetic Levitation Track STEM Challenge (FME05)! Designed for Middle School Physical Science, Physics, Transportation Engineering, Math, and STEM classes across Grades 6–8, this 3-page, print-ready lab packet challenges students to engineer functional maglev vehicle sleds and magnetic track channels.

What Is Included in This 3-Page Packet?

• 📋 Page 1: Teacher Guide & Lesson Plan

  Features NGSS alignment (MS-PS2-2 Forces & Motion, MS-PS2-3 Electric and Magnetic Forces, MS-PS2-5 Non-Contact Fields), key magnetism physics concepts, track polarity setup directions, vehicle balance troubleshooting guidelines, and a full teacher answer key.

• 🧲 Page 2: Student Mission Card & Blueprint

  Hooks students with a high-speed transit engineering scenario to design frictionless bullet train infrastructure. Includes material constraints (ceramic or neodymium magnets, cardboard track channel, index card/foam sled, tape, meter stick, stopwatch) and a dedicated schematic sketching zone to diagram magnetic polarity alignment, levitation gaps, and propulsion force vectors.

• 📊 Page 3: Testing Log & Scientific Reflection

  Features a structured lab data table comparing ground friction baseline runs vs. maglev levitation runs and payload-weighted levitation trials across a 1-meter distance. Includes an applied math section to calculate velocity in meters per second (m/s) and Maglev Speed Increase Ratios, followed by reflection questions analyzing magnetic repulsion field strength, friction elimination, and lateral vehicle balance stability.

Educational Value & Key Benefits:

• Hands-On Magnetism Physics: Connects magnetic field polarity and repulsion forces directly to counteracting gravity and eliminating sliding friction.

• Integrates Applied Math & Velocity Ratios: Teaches students how to measure metric glide speed and compute percentage speed increase ratios over friction-bound ground movement.

• Low-Cost High-Engagement STEM: Uses accessible classroom supplies like craft magnets, cardboard, index cards, and tape for a visual, frictionless physics experiment across Grades 6–8.