✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can build and analyze a gear train that changes speed, torque, or direction of rotation.
Main Activity
Build small VEX gear trains, calculate gear ratios, and observe how input rotation affects output behavior.
Deliverable
Gear ratio investigation table
Tools / Materials
VEX gears, shafts, collars, structure pieces, notebook, calculator
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Aerospace support systems often need motion that is slower and stronger or faster and lighter. Gear ratios help engineers choose between speed and torque for a specific task.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
A gear train transfers rotational motion between gears. The ratio between driver and driven gears affects output speed, torque, and direction.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Build at least two gear combinations. For each one, identify the driver and driven gear, calculate the gear ratio, and describe the effect on output speed and torque.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Create a table with gear sizes, ratio, direction, observed motion, and possible aerospace use. Add a sketch or photo of one gear train.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
A complete explanation includes both the math ratio and the design tradeoff: more speed usually means less torque, and more torque usually means less speed.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, layouts, calculations, systems diagrams, and test planning.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource