Step 2: Putting the Puzzle together

Your group will create a PowerPoint presentation.  You will put together a set of slides identifying what you have learned about simple machines.  Each group member is responsible for creating the slides for the two simple machines they researched.  Be sure to include diagrams or photos depicting each of the simple machines.  Remember, if you choose to use a picture from the Internet or any other source, you need to give credit to that source. Your group will also be required to share their thoughts on the following questions.  These questions should be represented in the PowerPoint presentation. Check out the evaluation forms "Presentation Rubric" and "Presentation Rubric-PowerPoint" so you know what you will be graded on.

v     Define simple machine.

v     What is the function of a simple machine?

v     How does a simple machine compare with a compound machine?

v     Create a list of simple machines you use every day.

v     How do simple machines affect our every day life?

v     How would your life change if you didn’t have pulleys? Inclined planes? Screws? Gears? Wheels and axles?

v     If you could choose only one simple machine to use for the rest of your life which one would you chose and why?

Helpful Websites:

**Remember-to get back to this site just hit the back button on your computers' menu.

1.       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. After viewing this site, create a list of simple machines you use everyday.

2.     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’.

3.     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 students to do to reinforce what they have learned about simple machines. While viewing this site, think about how simple machines affect our everyday life.  How would your life change without them?

4.     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. 

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