Abstract
This step-by-step video guide is a helpful introduction showing teachers and parents how to make a model zip line system with their children. In this activity the children will learn about the effect of gravity on a body falling in a controlled manner, friction, and the practical application of trigonometry.
This fun STEM challenge is aimed at secondary school children aged 11-14 years.
Download the free activity sheets and supporting resources on our resource page for more detailed instructions, teachers notes and for optional extension work. These are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
This exercise will take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete in full.
Tools/resources required
• String or thin rope, 10m should be enough
• A ‘passenger’ for the zip line
• Paper clips or stiff wire • Sticky tape • A stopwatch or a stopwatch App on a phone
• A ruler or tape measure
• A protractor
• Some paper and a pen to take notes
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
About IET Education
We support STEM teachers by providing a range of resources linked to the UK curriculum and partnering with organisations to create experiences that inspire teachers and students alike. Our campaigns are for children aged 4 to 19 years and aim to bring their imaginations alive to inspire them to engineer a better world in the future.
Engage children and keep them busy and learning at home or school with our free STEM resources and activities for KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4: https://education.theiet.org/
Looking for some Summer inspiration? Discover our full range of Summer resources for secondary: Summer STEM resources for secondary (theiet.org)
