🚀 go-pugleaf

     The Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science Teachers, in conjunction
with the Societies of Civil Engineers and Mechanical Engineers is planning
to sponsor a Ferris Wheel construction competition in honor of the 100th
anniversary of its invention.
     We would like to solicit opinions from readers concerning
details of the competition.  Does anyone know of such a competition, or is
this a unique idea?  Obviously we would like to learn from others'
experiences and mistakes.
     Some of the questions presently unanswered are:
-- What is the goal of the competition?  Should total weight in the baskets
determine the winner?  Should a number of baskets be specified, or a total
payload, or perhaps largest payload/unloaded mass?  Should size and
construction materials be restricted?
-- What means of propulsion should be allowed?  Should it be restricted to
manual operation, or should a certain type of power source be specified (such
as 1.5 v battery lantern)?
-- I have a particular concern about the bearing.  I feel that a standard
bearing should be specified and/or supplied with available funding.  Should
students be on their own in this area?
-- Should the wheel itself be constructed during the competition, or should
it be pre-built and then brought in for testing?

     I think it is a clever idea for a competition, but perhaps the
complexity makes it impractical.  Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, <<Joe>>