Overcoming friction with maglev technology

A costly, and sometimes very long, aeroplane journey is currently your only option if you intend to travel a long distance. However, what about in the future? One method that has been proposed is the vacuum tube train. This may be able to reach speeds of 4,000 mph, but is it a realistic option?

Students will explore these questions in our activity, which introduces them to the concept of friction reduction and its application in Maglev technology for future transportation.

It’s one of a set of resources developed to aid the teaching of the secondary national curriculum, particularly KS3, supporting the teaching in engineering, science and design and technology (DT).

Activity: Finding out how Maglev technology could help reduce the friction in a vacuum tube train

In this activity students are introduced to Maglev technology as a way of reducing the friction between the tube and the train in a vacuum tube train. They then decide if they think the UK should invest in vacuum tube trains and write an email expressing their decision.

Download our activity overview for a detailed lesson plan on Maglev technology.

The engineering context

Maglev trains are an example of how principles of magnetism and electromagnetism are harnessed for practical applications, but there are cons as well as pros to the technology (for example, it’s expensive and potentially unstable). As well as developing technological solutions, engineers must consider the practical application of their innovations – especially when designing infrastructure.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this lesson students will understand what Maglev technology is. They’ll also be able to explain if they are for or against vacuum tube trains as a viable form of global transport.

Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download (including video clips!), and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

Download our classroom lesson plan and presentation below.

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