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Amusement Park Physics With a NASA Twist - Space Flight Systems ...

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Structure Estimation<br />

9 bars to the<br />

highest point<br />

7/10<br />

This method allows students to estimate the height of a ride using support structures and<br />

proportions instead of geometry. Regular support structures are common on many amusement<br />

park rides. Students begin by estimating the height of the first support structure, relative to their eye<br />

level, and turn this into a fraction. They count the number of support structures between the ground<br />

and the top of the ride. Using multiplication and proportions, students can estimate the height of the<br />

ride with some accuracy.<br />

In order to estimate the height of a structure, try to position yourself as close as possible to the<br />

structure base. Do not climb fences or cross into prohibited areas. The first thing to look for are<br />

regular support structures which have less height than the overall structure. The most accurate<br />

method is to estimate the height of the first support structure, and then count the number of<br />

supports between the ground and the top of the main structure.<br />

35<br />

<strong>Amusement</strong> <strong>Park</strong> <strong>Physics</strong> <strong>With</strong> a <strong>NASA</strong> <strong>Twist</strong><br />

EG–2003–03–010–GRC

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