Simple Machine Amusement Park

Introduction

Congratulations! Our class has been hired to design the new amusement park: SIMPLY FUN!

We want SIMPLY FUN to have the best rides in the area, so each team will be responsible for creating one attraction.The developer is giving us only four weeks to create a mock up of our entire amusement park, so we better get started!

Task
Each attraction will use a combination of simple machines. The developer wants to see our design in just four weeks, but we have a lot to do in that time. We need to learn about simple and complex machines, create a design plan, and build a mock up all before our final presentation to the developer! 
Process

Step 1: Learn about Simple and Complex Machines

  1. Download the worksheet. 
    You may download a pdf file to print and handwrite your answers, or you may download the word documents and fill in your answers electronically before printing.
  2. Use the following websites to help you complete the worksheet.

Step 2: Work with a partner to design an amusement park attraction that meets the following requirements:

  • Each attraction must contain AT LEAST two different simple machines.
  • The simple machines must work together or link together. 
  • Once you start your machine, you must let it go and not touch it until the task is complete.
  • You cannot pull up or down on a pulley once you start your machine.

Step 3: Build a mock up of your attraction

  • Use household materials to build a small-scale demonstration of your attraction.
  • Discuss with your partner who is responsible for bring in which supplies.

Step 4: Final presentation to the developer!

  • We will display our amusement park for review by the members of the development company (our family and friends)
  • We will take pictures of each attraction and video them in motion.
  • We will post the videos and pictures on our website.
Evaluation

This project is for a homeschool cooperative course that is not graded.

Educators are encouraged to review the requirements of the project to create their own rubric for their class. Some points to consider:

  • Did the students use AT LEAST two simple machines?
  • Were the simple machines different from each other?
  • Were the simple machines used together or in tandem?
  • Did the students touch the project once it was in motion (ie: pull a pulley to make the project work?)
  • Are you grading the webquest worksheet? If so, how many points is each question worth and how does it fit into the final rubric?
Conclusion

Congratulations!

The developer likes your ideas and SIMPLY FUN is breaking ground next month!

Credits
Teacher Page
This project was designed for a homeschool cooperative class. It was designed to be completed in approximately four sessions, each session a week apart. If using this in a traditional classroom, you may need to adapt your timetable.
Standards
This project meets the following Next Generation of Science standards:

MS-ETS1-1:Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-2:Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-3:Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

MS-ETS1-4:Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.