Part
I: Group Work
Step I:
Understanding Simple Machines
It is
necessary for you to understand what simple machines are, how they work, and the
importance of simple machines to our every day lives if you are to create an
invention that utilizes them. In
your group of three, you will locate information on each of the six simple
machines: inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, lever, and pulley.
Each group member will be responsible for researching two of the six
simple machines. Group members will
keep track of the data they collect on the Simple Machines Checklist.
Remember to write down the sites and articles so that you will be able to
give credit to them in your presentation. Don’t
forget to keep track of pictures that you might want to use in you presentation.
This will help you to keep the information organized.
Check out the evaluation form "Simple Machines
Rating Scale" so you know what you will be graded on.
Check
out this Hotlist of Website resources.
**Remember-to get back to this site just hit the back
button on your computers' menu.
- The
Franklin Institute Online; Simple Machines
http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html
Check this site out for basic definitions and graphics of each of the six
simple machines. Links to extra information is available for all those super
sleuths out there.
- Inventors
Toolbox http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html
This site is a must for super scientists!
It was developed by the Museum of Science in Boston.
It defines the six simple machines and provides photographs of items,
which incorporate each of the elements of machines. Challenge yourself to
find these elements. There is
also a section called gadget anatomy. Here
you can test your knowledge about the elements of machines and check your
results immediately. Be sure to check out the activity ‘Sketching Gadget
Anatomy’.
- Marvelous
Machines http://www.galaxy.net/~k12/machines/index.shtml
Check out the simple machine experiments
at this website. The site provides several activities for you to do to
reinforce what you are learning about simple machines. While viewing this
site, think about how simple machines affect our everyday life.
How would your life change without them?
- Simple
Machine WebQuest
http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/hschool/webq/webq8/jjquest.htm
Are up to the challenge? Check
out this interactive site where you can explore the web as you learn about
simple machines. Define
each of the six simple machines, identify these simple machines within
compound and complex machines and create your own compound machine to solve
a problem.
- Dirtmeister’s
Science Reporters Investigate and Report on Simple Machines
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/simple/index.htm
Young scientists this is the site for you. Investigate, observe, record and report your findings on
the six simple machines. If you could chose only one simple machine to use
for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
