pulley

 


wheel & axle

 


inclined plane

 


lever

 


screw

 


wedge



pulley

 


wheel & axle

 


inclined plane

 


lever

 


screw

 


wedge



pulley

 


wheel & axle

 


inclined plane

 


lever

 


screw

 


wedge

 

Simple Machines
WebQuest

In this WebQuest you will
- explore the different kinds of simple machines
- locate examples of each simple machine in the real world
- demonstrate basic relationships between force and motion
- use vocabulary words related to this topic to answer and ask questions
- identify inventors that have used simple machines to contribute to our society
- calculate work and power, and
- use simple machines to solve a problem.
1. Using the following links/resources, each group will create a picture book for the vocabulary words below. Each picture book page will include a definition (explanation of the word), image (drawing, clipart...) that shows or describes the word, and a real life example.
Links/Resources
6 simple machines & online quiz, Simple Machines, The Elements of Machines, Levers, Levers, Inclined Plane, Simple Machines, Experiments with Simple Machines,

1. Force
- Newton
5. Spring Scale
2. Friction
a. sliding friction
b. rolling friction
c. fluid friction
....- lubricants
6. Simple Machines
a. inclined plane
b. pulley - fixed, movable
c. screw - pitch
d. wedge
e. wheel & axle
f. lever - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class, load, fulcrum, effort
3. Work
7. Machine
4. Power
8. Torque

Example: Title Page
Example: Picture Book Pages



Simple Machines
Picture Book

 

Group Member Names
The Rice School
Month Day, Year
Science Period ___

 

WEDGE


include image

include definition

2. Class Assignment - handout on simple machine

Group Quiz 4/18 - Simple Machines review from class
or try FunBrain - listen for Secret Password in class. Type in your first initial and last name when it asked for "Your Name"

3. Rube Goldberg's Inventions have become synonymous with maximum effort to achieve minimal results. Go to Rube Goldberg's Inventions and choose three of the ten inventions listed. Work with your group to identify at least 5 simple machines used in each of the three inventions your group picks.
Click on Leonardo's Mysterious Machinery and look at the eight machines. Have your group identify at least 2 simple machines in each invention. Figure out what the machine actually does from the choices given. To learn more about Leonardo click on Inventor's Workshop.

4. Now it's your turn to be an inventor!
1. Create a mousetrap that has at least 5 steps
2. Include 3 to 4 different simple machines that will trap (not hurt) a mouse
(extra credit will be given to those that can use more).
3. The mousetrap must be built of materials and supplies that your group brings (do not forget items such as masking tape, duct tape, string, screws, nails, wood ramps, marbles, cups, dominos, hammer, pulleys...) (cheese & mice do not need to be purchased)
DO sawing at home, DO NOT use flames or blades in your mousetrap.
The "mouse" must be trapped "alive": no bashing, smashing, or mutilating.
( extra credit will be given to those groups that can use an alternative energy source in their mousetrap to do work, or identify where potential or kinetic energy is present in your mousetrap )
* Reminder - your mousetrap should work like a chain reaction. The mouse sets your mousetrap in motion and catches the mouse without the mouse having to move.

STEP #1 - Class Journal (100 points)
1. Record your groups daily progress (complete sentences)
2. Teacher signature daily - to verify progress

STEP #2 - Blueprint - (100 points)
On a sheet of paper 11 x 17.
1. Draw the mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap
3. List the steps of the trapping process - minimum of 5 (numbered)
4. List each member of the group and the materials they will bring to make the mousetrap.

Drawing of mousetrap
(label all simple machines)
Process
minimum of 5 steps
1
2
3
4
5

Student Name.............Materials
1
2
3
4

STEP #3 - Bring Supplies Assigned to you (100 points)


STEP #4 - Presentation - (100 points)
1. introduce each person in the group (each person must share something)
2. identify all the simple machines in the mousetrap
3. identify where potential and kinetic energy are in your mousetrap
4. describe each step of the mousetrap process
5. demonstrate the mousetrap

Grading - Mousetrap
To receive a grade of 100, the mousetrap must meet all the requirements, be completed on time, and successfully trap the "mouse". Each group will be given two opportunities to trigger their trap to catch the mouse.

A grade of 85 will be given to mousetraps that meet all the requirements, are completed on time, but do not trap the mouse.

Grades below 85 will be given at the teacher's discretion depending on requirements that are not met.

Extra Credit: (begin only when all other assignments are completed)
1. Do you know any inventors who used simple machines to help make our lives easier? Locate an inventor who has done this. ( use Famous Scientists as a search tool to find an inventor ) Write a paragraph explaining the invention and how simple machines are used in the invention - include a drawing or photograph of the invention or inventor. Include a second paragraph with information about the inventor (1 page).
OR
2. A Time for Simple Machines see directions and patent form at the end of the webpage on this link..

Evaluation Checklist

3. Create your own Rube Goldberg Invention that follows the idea of maximum effort to achieve minimal results

Home
Questions and comments can be directed to
Dana Gabrovsek/ Levesque
Webmaster: dana_gabrovsek@ceo.cudenver.edu
Date Created: 9/18/99 Date Modified: 3/02
The Rice School/La Escuela Rice
7550 Seuss Dr. Houston, Texas 77025
Phone: (713)349-1800 Fax: (713)349-1828
Houston Independent School District