The Floating Train

Grade:

2

Teacher:

Amal Alfatesh

For my science project, I explored how a floating train works and how weight affects how far a train can travel. This type of train is called a maglev train. Maglev trains float because magnets on the train and the track push away from each other. When the train floats, it does not touch the track, which helps it move more easily. For my experiment, I built a magnetic track using cardboard and magnetic tape. I made two trains of different weights using wooden blocks and added magnets to the bottom of each one. I placed the trains on the track and made sure the magnets were pushing away from each other so the trains could float. Next, I gently pushed each train and measured how far it traveled on the track multiple times. Then I made a table and a graph to compare how far the both trains traveled. I found that the lighter train traveled farther than the heavier train each time. This project helped me learn how magnets work and how weight can affect movement.

Project presentation

Lab journal excerpts