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Энджи topic simple machines. Методическая разработка занятия по английскому языку на тему "Машины и работа" (3 курс)

Six simple machines for transforming energy into work.

The

An inclined plane consists of a sloping surface; it is used for raising heavy bodies. The plane offers a in that the force required to move an object up the incline is less than the being raised (discounting ). The steeper the slope, or incline, the more nearly the required force approaches the actual weight. Expressed mathematically, the force F required to move a block D up an inclined plane without friction is equal to its weight W times the sine of the angle the inclined plane makes with the horizontal (θ). The equation is F = W sin θ.

In this representation of an inclined plane, D represents a block to be moved up the plane, F represents the force required to move the block, and W represents the weight of the block. Expressed mathematically, and assuming the plane to be without friction, F = W sin θ. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The principle of the inclined plane is used widely-for example, in ramps and switchback roads, where a small force acting for a distance along a slope can do a large amount of work.

The

A lever is a bar or board that rests on a support called a fulcrum. A downward force exerted on one end of the lever can be transferred and increased in an upward direction at the other end, allowing a small force to lift a heavy weight.

Two examples of levers(Left) A crowbar, supported and turning freely on a fulcrum f , multiplies a downward force F applied at point a such that it can overcome the load P exerted by the mass of the rock at point b . If, for example, the length a f is five times b f , the force F will be multiplied five times. (Right) A nutcracker is essentially two levers connected by a pin joint at a fulcrum f . If a f is three times b f , the force F exerted by hand at point a will be multiplied three times at b , easily overcoming the compressive strength P of the nutshell. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

All early people used the lever in some form, for example, for moving heavy stones or as digging sticks for land cultivation. The principle of the lever was used in the swape, or , a long lever pivoted near one end with a platform or water container hanging from the short arm and counterweights attached to the long arm. A man could lift several times his own weight by pulling down on the long arm. This device is said to have been used in Egypt and India for raising water and lifting soldiers over battlements as early as 1500 bce .

Shadoof, central Anatolia, Turkey. Noumenon

The

A wedge is an object that tapers to a thin edge. Pushing the wedge in one direction creates a force in a sideways direction. It is usually made of metal or wood and is used for splitting, lifting, or tightening, as in securing a hammer head onto its handle.

The wedge was used in prehistoric times to split logs and rocks; an is also a wedge, as are the teeth on a saw. In terms of its mechanical function, the screw may be thought of as a wedge wrapped around a cylinder.

The

A wheel and axle is made up of a circular frame (the wheel) that revolves on a shaft or rod (the axle). In its earliest form it was probably used for raising weights or water buckets from wells.

Its principle of operation is best explained by way of a device with a large and a small gear attached to the same shaft. The tendency of a force, F , applied at the radius R on the large gear to turn the shaft is sufficient to overcome the larger force W at the radius r on the small gear. The force amplification, or , is equal to the ratio of the two forces (W :F ) and also equal to the ratio of the radii of the two gears (R :r ).

Two wheel and axle arrangements(A) With a large gear and a small gear attached to the same shaft, or axle, a force F applied at the radius R on the large gear is sufficient to overcome the larger force W at the radius r on the small gear, turning the axle. (B) In a drum and rope arrangement capable of raising weights, a large drum of radius R can be used to turn a small drum. An increase in mechanical advantage can be obtained by using the large drum to turn a small drum with two radii as well as a pulley block. When a force F is applied to the rope wrapped around the large drum, the rope wrapped around the small two-radius drum winds off of d (radius r 1) and onto D (radius r 2). The force W on the radius of the pulley block P is easily overcome, and the attached weight is lifted. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

If the large and small gears are replaced with large- and small-diameter drums that are wrapped with ropes, the wheel and axle becomes capable of raising weights. The weight being lifted is attached to the rope on the small drum, and the operator pulls the rope on the large drum. In this arrangement the mechanical advantage is the radius of the large drum divided by the radius of the small drum. An increase in the mechanical advantage can be obtained by using a small drum with two radii, r 1 and r 2 , and a pulley block. When a force is applied to the large drum, the rope on the small drum winds onto D and off of d.

A measure of the force amplification available with the pulley-and-rope system is the velocity ratio, or the ratio of the at which the force is applied to the rope (V F ) to the velocity at which the weight is raised (V W ). This ratio is equal to twice the radius of the large drum divided by the difference in the radii of the smaller drums D and d. Expressed mathematically, the equation is V F /V W = 2R /(r 2 - r 1). The actual mechanical advantage W /F is less than this velocity ratio, depending on friction. A very large mechanical advantage may be obtained with this arrangement by making the two smaller drums D and d of nearly equal radius.

A simple machine is a mechanical device that consists of a minimum of moving parts but yet can create an improvement of the output over the input. The improvement could be creating a mechanical advantage or simply changing the direction of the output. Mechanical advantage is the increase of force, distance or speed from the input value.

Around the 16th century, the classic list of simple machines was determined. The list consisted of the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.

These simple machines can be broken into three classifications: lever simple machines, rotating simple machines, and inclined plane simple machines.

Questions you may have include:

  • What do lever simple machines do?
  • What do rotating simple machines do?
  • What do inclined plane simple machines do?

This lesson will answer those questions. Useful tool: Units Conversion

Lever simple machines

The lever simply consists of a rod or board that pivots on a fulcrum, creating a mechanical advantage or a change in direction.

The lever is a classic simple machine that achieves a mechanical advantage according to the ratio of the output or load arm of the lever divided by the input or effort arm.

The mechanical advantage of a lever can concern force, distance, or speed of the output.

The efficiency of the lever is very high, since the loss due to friction at the fulcrum is low.

Rotating simple machines

Rotating simple machines include rollers, wheel and axle, crank, and pulley.

Rollers

The wheel or roller by itself can make it easier to move objects by overcoming friction.

Wheel and axle

When an axle is added to a wheel, a torque on the axle increases the speed of the outer surface of the wheel. Likewise, turning the wheel from its outer edge increases the force applied from the axle.

Crank

A crank is like a wheel and axle. You can push on the handle of a crank, and it will create a twisting force or torque on the axle. This is a variation of the wheel and axle.

Pulley

A pulley is a wheel and axle, that uses a rope to lift objects. A major purpose of a pulley is to change the direction of the input force. You can pull down one a pulley rope, and the rope will lift the object upward.

Complex set of pulleys

A complex set up pulleys, such as a block-and-tackle configuration, can result in a mechanical advantage. The question is that if it is a complex set, is it still a simple machine? Probably not.

Inclined plane simple machines

Variations of an inclined plane include a ramp, wedge, and screw.

Ramp

The inclined plane or ramp makes raising a weight to a given height easier, according to the angle of the incline. Unfortunately, the resistive force of friction from sliding the object on the ramp can negate the mechanical advantage.

Variations of the inclined plane are the wedge and screw.

Wedge

Although a wedge is considered a simple machine, it is really a special application of an inclined plane.

Screw

The screw is really an inclined plane that is wrapped around a shaft. Turning the shaft around its central axis transforms rotational motion and torque into axial motion and force.

A screw can also act like a wedge, forcing itself into a softer material.

Summary

Simple machines usually exchange using a smaller force over a greater distance to move a heavy object over a short distance. The work required is the same, but the force required is less. The are also simple machines that help to reduce the resistance of friction or such.

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Easier - A simple machine is a device that helps make work easier; a device that makes it easier to move something. Some simple machines are a wheel, a pulley, a lever, a screw, and an inclined plane. Harder - Most machines consist of a number of elements, such as gears and ball bearings, that work together in a complex way. No matter how complex a machine, it is still based on the compounding of six types of simple machines. The six types of machines are the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw. Background Information for Simple Machines from National Museum of Science and Technology , Canada http://www.science-tech.nmstc.ca/english/schoolzone/Info_Simple_Machines.cfm Here you can find the answers to some commonly asked questions about simple machines. The Elements of Machines: Simple Machines from Leonardo"s Workshop http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html Learn about devices that make work easier to do by providing some tradeoff between the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied. Also provides a brief introduction to uses of a gear, cam, crank and rod, chain and belt, and the ratchet. Levers from Beakman & Jax http://www.beakman.com/lever/lever.html Play with levers and find out how work from the fulcrum to the load to the effort. (Wait for second page to come) Marvelous Machines http://www.galaxy.net:80/~k12/machines/index.shtml This website provides a series of experiments about simple machines: levers, wheels and inclined planes. They were developed for third grade students. (Comes up slowly )
After exploring some or all of the websites below, complete one or more of these activities: Investigate Wheels with Your Bicycle. Go to PBS Teachersource"s website and use your bicycle to learn about the wheel. Find Out How Stuff Works. Check out How Stuff Works . Look for a device that uses a simple machine as part of how it works. Create a poster showing how it works. Gear Up with a Tricycle & Bicycle. Visit PBS Teachersource"s site and follow the procedures there to learn a lot more about gears. Complete a Simple Machines WebQuest. Follow or adapt the procedures found at one of these webQuest sites: 1) Exploring Simple Machines by Paula Markowitz (Grade 4) http://www.lakelandschools.org/EDTECH/Machines/Machines.htm 2) Simple Machines http://www.eng.iastate.edu/twt/Course/packet/labs/wheels&leverLab.htm 3) Simple Machines WebQuest (Grade 4-6) http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/hschool/webq/webq8/jjquest.htm 4) Simple Machines http://www.beth.k12.pa.us/schools/wwwclass/mcosgrove/simple.htm 5) Simple Machines Webquest http://www.jsd.k12.ak.us/ab/el/simplemachines.html Complete an Online Simple Machines Activity. Learn more about simple machines by following the directions at A Time for Simple Machines . You may also want to test your knowledge at Gadget Anatomy . Complete Some Simple Machine Experiments. Find lots of experiments at sites like Marvelous Machines and Motion, Energy and Simple Machines .
Websites For Kids Simple Machine Page for Kids http://www.san-marino.k12.ca.us/~summer1/machines/simplemachines.html This is a page on simple machines for kids with pictures. Simple Machines (Part of a ThinkQuest project: E"Ville Mansion! ) http://library.thinkquest.org/3447/simpmach.htm Learn about four simple machines (Inclined planes, pulley systems, levers, and the wheel and axle). All are mechanisms that convert energy to a more useful form. More Simple Machine Websites Mechanisms and Simple Machines from Introduction to Mechanisms at Carnegie Mellon University http://www.cs.cmu.edu/People/rapidproto/mechanisms/chpt2.html Here is advanced level material that covers inclined planes, gears, pulleys, and more. Motion, Energy and Simple Machines by J.S. Mason http://www.necc.mass.edu/MRVIS/MR3_13/start.htm This site investigates Newton"s Laws of Motion and the concepts of potential and kinetic energy. The concepts of force, friction, energy transfer, and mechanical advantage are explored as you build simple machines and investigate there operation. Oh No Lego® Wedgies! from Weird Richard http://weirdrichard.com:80/wedge.htm Explore the wedge, the active twin of the inclined plane. It does useful work by moving. In contrast, the inclined plane always remains stationary. Related Websites from Weird Richard: 2) Ladies and Gentlemen...The Inclined Plane! http://weirdrichard.com/inclined.htm 3) Oh Goody, Even More on Gears! http://weirdrichard.com/gears.htm 3) Those Crazy Lego® Screws! http://weirdrichard.com/screw.htm This site houses a collection of over seventy photographs of common, everyday simple machines. Simple Machines Demo (Pulley and Levers) http://www.cwru.edu/artsci/phys/courses/demos/simp.htm This demonstration explores the mechanical advantage of pulleys and levers and evaluates the concept of torque. Spotlight on Simple Machines from "inQuiry Almanack " at Franklin Institute http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html Here you learn about simple machines that make work easier: inclined plane, lever, wedge, screw, pulley, and the wheel and axle. Websites for Teachers A First-Class Job http://www.aimsedu.org/Activities/oldSamples/FirstClass/job1.html What happens when the position of the fulcrum on a first-class lever is changed? Bicycles by J.P. Crotty from Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute http://pclt.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1987/6/87.06.01.x.html#h This is the site of a narrative unit plan that begins with the circle and proceeds to investigation of simple machines using the bicycle. Sketching Gadget Anatomy at The Museum of Science http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/SketchGadgetAnatomy.html The idea for this lesson is that close observation and sketching lead to a better understanding of how machines work. Simple Machines (Grades 3-4) by C. Huddle http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/K- 12/Summer_Training/KaeAvenueES/SIMPLE_MACHINES.html These activities are designed to give students experiences in using simple machines. Similar Websites: 2) Simple Machines (Grade 3) by L. Wilkins http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/ylp/Units/Curriculum_Units/95-96/Simple_Machines_LWilkins/identify_simple_machines.html 3) Simple Machines (Grades 4-8) by B. Campbell

For starters, allow me to introduce the major hole in English linguistics terminology. And these three example sentences will help me:

  • A cat chases a dog
  • To think is human
  • She ate her breakfast

Now a question: how do you refer to the syntactic role that the highlighted words occupy in the sentences? Or else: how do you refer to the slot between subject and object that ties the two together?

The answer: there is no unambiguous word in English to refer to it.

Usually, linguists resort to one of two options:

A) We could call it a verb . That’s how it’s called in language typology: in SVO structure, for example, the letters stand for “subject-verb-object”.

The problem is, though, that ‘verb’ is already a name for a word class. Word classes (e.g. , ‘noun’, ‘adjective’, ‘adverb’) are word categories by their morphology (common word endings) and syntactic roles that they could take. While syntactic roles (e.g. , ‘subject’, ‘object’, ‘attribute’) are particular slots in a sentence that don’t exist outside of a sentence.

Just because the word class of a verb tends to occupy the syntactic role in question doesn’t mean that the two are the same. And to illustrate it, please go back to the second example sentence. Is ‘to think’ a verb, but suddenly… not a verb?

So, when people say that they’ve just invented a verbless language, you could guess all you want what they mean. Is it like:

  • “My language has usual rigid syntax like in English, German or Japanese - but there are no word classes.”

Or do they mean:

  • “My language has completely alien syntax. It doesn’t rely on SVO or similar pattern, and has no subjects or objects as well.”

B) We could also call it a predicate . However, not only this term has nothing to do with the syntactic slot in question - it has nothing to do with linguistics at all .

It’s a term from logic.

Any statement, be it a sentence in whatever language or some logical formula, has a predicate structure: meaning that in every statement, there’s something that we make a statement about (a logical subject), and the actual statement about the subject (a predicate).

Linguists have adopted the term to refer to the syntactic slot between S and O - but technically, predicate isn’t that. In a sentence:

  • Helen is a sophomore student from Stanford .

the entire highlighted part is a predicate. The sentence is a statement about Helen (hence, she’s a subject). The rest of the sentence is new information about her that we state - a predicate. If you’re familiar with programming, we’ve kinda applied a function: Helen is our variable to modify, and the statement is the actual function that changes the properties of the variable.

Now, for you to understand the point better, let’s break the default logical structure of the sentence with a dialogue:

Joe: “Tell me something interesting about Stanford!”

Moe: Well, Helen is a sophomore student from Stanford.”

Now suddenly, Stanford is a logical subject. Firstly, Joe sets the subject for discussion, and then, Moe makes a statement about it: that Helen studies there. The university is what we’re interested in, while Helen is now part of the logical predicate.

Obviously, the sentence structure doesn’t agree with it: Helen is the syntactic subject in the sentence, and you don’t change that without shuffling the actual words around. But the dialogue has certain logical composition nonetheless, which doesn’t give a damn about the words or the language. Logic is sort-of above languages, and searching for predicate is not about cracking your head over syntax: you have to analyse the actual meaning of the statement made by a sentence.

This is why I am a strong proponent of introducing a new, separate word for “V” syntactic slot. Personally, I prefer to call it verbicate (good thing that it keeps the ‘V’ letter in SVO). So here’s another exotic option for you:

C) Call it a verbicate - be unambiguous.

Now that the prelude is over - back to your actual question.

If by “a language without predicate ” you mean “a language without verbicate ”, then absolutely yes . I’ve already covered this in , so I won’t be repeating. But in short: verbicate-based syntax is just one type of syntax that by no means is the only possible. It has proven itself to be effective (no kidding - ten thousand years of being virtually the exclusive type of syntax in natural human languages), and yet syntax could be anything. There probably are millions of ways to build a sentence, and what you’re after has been done repeatedly by many conlangers.

If by “predicate” you mean the actual predicate, then it’s kinda yes/no answer:

Yes , a language can be without predicates, because no language has predicates. It’s not a property or part of languages at all, and you can’t use linguistical methods to study or look for predicates. Just because a language is a tool to convey predicated statements doesn’t mean that the tool must inherit the property of the tooled.

No , a language cannot be spoken without predicates. Regardless of how grotesque or alien a language is, communication is still communication: the exchange of statements between interlocutors. When you speak, you convey information about something, meaning that every statement regardless of language can be broken down into a logical subject and what’s being stated about it.

In some languages, the grammar might more-or-less align with logical predicate structure; in other languages, it may not at all. But the statements remain the statements. Even if you ditched languages and used pictures to communicate - you still would be making statements, and thus use predicates.

Damn, even when my cat meows for food, she makes a statement that has a subject and a predicate.

To sum up , your question is roughly the same as “can a language exist without time? ”: before you ask, make sure you’re talking about tense , because time is kinda out of languages’ scope.

Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Students are introduced to the six types of simple machines - the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley - in the context of the construction of a pyramid, gaining high-level insights into tools that have been used since ancient times and are still in use today. In two hands-on activities, students begin their own pyramid design by performing materials calculations, and evaluating and selecting a construction site. The six simple machines are examined in more depth in subsequent lessons in this unit. This engineering curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Engineering Connection

Why do engineers care about simple machines? How do such devices help engineers improve society? Simple machines are important and common in our world today in the form of everyday devices (crowbars, wheelbarrows, highway ramps, etc.) that individuals, and especially engineers, use on a daily basis. The same physical principles and mechanical advantages of simple machines used by ancient engineers to build pyramids are employed by today"s engineers to construct modern structures such as houses, bridges and skyscrapers. Simple machines give engineers added tools for solving everyday challenges.

Learning Objectives

After this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Understand what a simple machine is and how it would help an engineer to build something.
  • Identify six types of simple machines.
  • Understand how the same physical principles used by engineers today to build skyscrapers were employed in ancient times by engineers to build pyramids.
  • Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to creating a simple lever machine based on how well each met the constraints of the challenge.

Educational Standards

Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.

All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).

In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .

NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
NGSS Performance Expectation

3-PS2-2. Make observations and/or measurements of an object"s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion. (Grade 3)

Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!

This lesson focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:
Science & Engineering Practices Disciplinary Core Ideas Crosscutting Concepts
Make observations and/or measurements to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence for an explanation of a phenomenon or test a design solution.

Alignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback!

Science findings are based on recognizing patterns.

Alignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback!

The patterns of an object"s motion in various situations can be observed and measured; when that past motion exhibits a regular pattern, future motion can be predicted from it. (Boundary: Technical terms, such as magnitude, velocity, momentum, and vector quantity, are not introduced at this level, but the concept that some quantities need both size and direction to be described is developed.)

Alignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback!

Patterns of change can be used to make predictions.

Alignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback!

International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
  • Choosing a Pyramid Site - Working in engineering project teams, students choose a site for the construction of a pyramid. They base their decision on site features as provided by a surveyor"s report; distance from the quarry, river and palace; and other factors they deem important to the project.
  • Lesson Closure

    Today, we have discussed six simple machines. Who can name them for me? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.) How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.) Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.) Tonight, at home, think about everyday examples of the six simple machines. See how many you can find around your house!

    Complete the KWL Assessment Chart (see the Assessment section). Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz. As an extension, use the attached to conduct a simple machines scavenger hunt in which students find examples of simple machines used in the classroom and at home.

    In other lessons of this unit, students study each simple machine in more detail and see how each could be used as a tool to build a pyramid or a modern building.

    Vocabulary/Definitions

    Design: (verb) To plan out in systematic, often graphic form. To create for a particular purpose or effect. Design a building. (noun) A well thought-out plan.

    Engineering: Applying scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems.

    Force: A push or pull on an object.

    Inclined plane: A simple machine that raises an object to greater height. Usually a straight slanted surface and no moving parts, such as a ramp, sloping road or stairs.

    Lever: A simple machine that increases or decreases the force to lift something. Usually a bar pivoted on a fixed point (fulcrum) to which force is applied to do work.

    Mechanical advantage: An advantage gained by using simple machines to accomplish work with less effort. Making the task easier (which means it requires less force), but may require more time or room to work (more distance, rope, etc.). For example, applying a smaller force over a longer distance to achieve the same effect as applying a large force over a small distance. The ratio of the output force exerted by a machine to the input force applied to it.

    Pulley: A simple machine that changes the direction of a force, often to lift a load. Usually consists of a grooved wheel in which a pulled rope or chain runs.

    Pyramid: A massive structure of ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica used for a crypt or tomb. The typical shape is a square or rectangular base at the ground with sides (faces) in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top. Mesoamerican temples have stepped sides and a flat top surmounted by chambers.

    Screw: A simple machine that lifts or holds materials together. Often a cylindrical rod incised with a spiral thread.

    Simple machine: A machine with few or no moving parts that is used to make work easier (provides a mechanical advantage). For example, a wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, or pulley.

    Spiral: A curve that winds around a fixed center point (or axis) at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from that point.

    Tool: A device used to do work.

    Wedge: A simple machine that forces materials apart. Used for splitting, tightening, securing or levering. It is thick at one end and tapered to a thin edge at the other.

    Wheel and axle: A simple machine that reduces the friction of moving by rolling. A wheel is a disk designed to turn around an axle passed through the center of the wheel. An axle is a supporting cylinder on which a wheel or a set of wheels revolves.

    Work: Force on an object multiplied by the distance it moves. W = F x d (force multiplied by distance).

    Assessment

    Pre-Lesson Assessment

    Know / Want to Know / Learn (KWL) Chart: Create a classroom KWL chart to help organize learning about a new topic. On a large sheet of paper or on the classroom board, draw a chart with the title "Building with Simple Machines." Draw three columns titled, K, W and L, representing what students know about simple machines, what they want to know about simple machines and what they learned about simple machines. Fill out the K and W sections during the lesson introduction as facts and questions emerge. Fill out the L section at the end of the lesson.

    Post-Introduction Assessment

    Reference Sheet: Hand out the attached Simple Machines Reference Sheet . Review the information and answer any questions. Suggest the students keep the sheet handy in their desks, folders or journals.

    Lesson Summary Assessment

    Closing Discussion: Conduct an informal class discussion, asking the students what they learned from the activities. Ask the students:

    • Who can name the different types of simple machines? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.)
    • How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.)
    • Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.)

    Remind students that engineers consider many factors when they plan, design and create something. Ask the students:

    • What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when designing a new structure? (Possible answers: Size and shape (design) of the structure, available construction materials, calculation of materials needed, comparing materials and costs, making drawings, etc.)
    • What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when choosing a site to build a new structure? (Possible answers: Site physical characteristics , distance to construction resources , suitability for the structure"s purpose .)

    KWL Chart (Conclusion): As a class, finish column L of the KWL Chart as described in the Pre-Lesson Assessment section. List all of the things they learned about simple machines. Were all of the W questions answered? What new things did they learn?

    Take-Home Quiz: Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz.

    Lesson Extension Activities

    Use the attached Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt! Worksheet to conduct a fun scavenger hunt. Have the students find examples of all the simple machines used in the classroom and their homes.

    Bring in everyday examples of simple machines and demonstrate how they work.

    Illustrate the power of simple machines by asking students to do a task without using a simple machine, and then with one. For example, create a lever demonstration by hammering a nail into a piece of wood. Have students try to pull the nail out, first using only their hands

    Bring in a variety of everyday examples of simple machines. Hand out one out to each student and have them think about what type of simple machine it is. Next, have students place the items into categories by simple machines and explain why they chose to place their item there. Ask students what life would be like without this item. Emphasize that simple machines make our life easier.

    See the Edheads website for an interactive game on simple machines: http://edheads.org.

    Engineering Design Fun with Levers: Give each pair of students a paint stirrer, 3 small plastic cups, a piece of duct tape and a wooden block or spool (or anything similar). Challenge the students to design a simple machine lever that will throw a ping pong ball (or any other type of small ball) as high as possible. In the re-design phase, allow the students to request materials to add on to their design. Have a small competition to see which group was able to send the ping pong ball flying high. Discuss with the class why that particular design was successful versus other variations seen during the competition.

    Additional Multimedia Support

    See http://edheads.org for a good simple machines website with curricular materials including educational games and activities.

    References

    Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Accessed January 11, 2006. (Source of some vocabulary definitions, with some adaptation) http://www.dictionary.com

    Simple Machines. inQuiry Almanack, The Franklin Institute Online, Unisys and Drexel eLearning. Accessed January 11, 2006. http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html

    Contributors

    Greg Ramsey; Glen Sirakavit; Lawrence E. Carlson; Jacquelyn Sullivan; Malinda Schaefer Zarske; Denise Carlson, with design input from the students in the spring 2005 K-12 Engineering Outreach Corps course

    Copyright

    © 2005 by Regents of the University of Colorado.

    Supporting Program

    Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

    Acknowledgements

    The contents of these digital library curricula were developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. 

    Last modified: December 4, 2019