Introduction
Simple machines are devices used to make life easier for us. We use simple machines everyday to accomplish tasks.
Think about opening a door.
Usually a door has a doorknob that we use to open the door.
A doorknob is an example of a simple machine called a wheel and axle.
Now think about a set of stairs.
Stairs are also a simple machine called an inclined plane.
We can use simple machines to help us push, pull, lift, or move objects.
There are six types of simple machines that we will be learning about today. Levers, wedges, screws, inclined planes, wheel and axles, and pulleys.
Task
You and your group will become an expert in one type of simple machine. You will use the various resources on the process page to determine
1. A description of the simple machine.
2. Examples of the simple machine.
3. The purpose of the machine (how it helps us).
4. A drawing of the simple machine.
Then you will create a model of your simple machine using the materials in the classroom.
You will present your findings and your model to the class to teach them about your type of simple machine.
Process
Use the links and videos under your machines name to research the simple machine. Keep the questions you are answering for your presentation in mind as you conduct your research. Use google slides to work with your group and create a presentation to share with the rest of the class.
First slide of presentation:
Notes from the links and videos. This can include things you found interesting, possible answers to the questions from the task page, questions you still have or things you did not understand, and things you might want other people to know.
Second slide of presentation:
- A description, in your own words, of your simple machine.
Third slide of presentation:
- Examples of the simple machine.
- this can include pictures, words, or web drawings.
Fourth slide of presentation:
- The purpose of your simple machine.
- how does this machine help us with everyday tasks? How does this machine help us do work? What does this machine help us with? How is life easier because of this machine?
Next, as a group, create a drawing of the simple machine. You can draw labeling how the simple machine works or draw an example of the simple machine. You may do a web drawing as a fifth slide on your presentation or use normal paper and coloring materials.
Lastly, as a group, you will locate the materials in the back of the classroom to create model of the simple machine. You may choose whatever materials you want. You can create a model of one of the examples you have found in your research or create your own new idea that has the features of the simple machine.
Be creative and have fun!!!
Lever:
https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/simple-machines-levers
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-lever/
https://studiousguy.com/lever-simple-machines-examples/
Inclined plane:
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-inclined-plane/
https://www.softschools.com/examples/science/inclined_planes_examples/481/
Wheel and axle:
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-wheel-and-axle/
https://www.ducksters.com/science/simple_machines.php
https://www.123homeschool4me.com/simple-machines-wheel-and-axle-week-2_14/
Pulley:
https://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/simple_machines/pulley.htm
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-pulley/
https://inventorsoftomorrow.com/2016/09/26/pulleys-2/
https://studiousguy.com/pulley-simple-machines-examples/
Wedge:
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-wedge-ramp/
https://www.softschools.com/examples/simple_machines/wedge_examples/507/
Screw:
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-screw/
https://studiousguy.com/screw-simple-machines-examples/
https://sciencetrek.org/sciencetrek/topics/simple_machines/facts.cfm
Evaluation
Simple Machines Rubric
|
CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Notes |
Notes are recorded and organized in an extremely neat and orderly fashion. |
Notes are recorded legibly and are somewhat organized. |
Notes are recorded. |
Notes are recorded only with peer/teacher assistance and reminders. |
|
Quality of Information |
Information clearly answers the question. It includes several supporting details and/or examples. |
Information clearly relates to the questions. It provides 1-2 supporting details and/or examples. |
Information clearly relates to the question. No details and/or examples are given. |
Information has little or nothing to do with the main topic. |
|
Internet Use |
Successfully uses suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. |
Usually able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. |
Occasionally able to use suggested internet links to find information and navigates within these sites easily without assistance. |
Needs assistance or supervision to use suggested internet links and/or to navigate within these sites. |
|
Diagrams & Illustrations |
Diagrams and illustrations are neat, accurate and add to the reader's understanding of the topic. |
Diagrams and illustrations are accurate and add to the reader's understanding of the topic. |
Diagrams and illustrations are neat and accurate and sometimes add to the reader's understanding of the topic. |
Diagrams and illustrations are not accurate OR do not add to the reade's understanding of the topic. |
|
Mechanics |
No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. |
Almost no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors |
A few grammatical spelling, or punctuation errors. |
Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. |
|
Amount of Information |
All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. |
All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each. |
All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with 1 sentence about each. |
One or more topics were not addressed. |
|
Model |
Model clearly represents the simple machine. Model has all necessary features of the simple machine. Materials are accurately chosen and used. |
Model clearly represents the simple machine. Model has most of the necessary features. Materials are accurately chosen and used. |
Model represents the simple machine. Key features of the simple machine are missing. Materials are not accurately chosen/used. |
Model does not accurately represent the simple machine and/or is lacking many key features of the simple machine. Materials are inappropriately used. |
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You have become an expert in at least one simple machine.
Remember, simple machines are everywhere! Simple machines help us do everyday tasks and make our lives a lot easier.
There are six simple machines.
On your exit ticket, write one thing that surprised you about simple machines and write down what simple machine you would like to learn more about.
Credits
Resources for research:
https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/simple-machines-levers
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-lever/
https://studiousguy.com/lever-simple-machines-examples/
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-inclined-plane/
https://www.softschools.com/examples/science/inclined_planes_examples/481/
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-wheel-and-axle/
https://www.ducksters.com/science/simple_machines.php
https://www.123homeschool4me.com/simple-machines-wheel-and-axle-week-2_14/
https://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/simple_machines/pulley.htm
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-pulley/
https://inventorsoftomorrow.com/2016/09/26/pulleys-2/
https://studiousguy.com/pulley-simple-machines-examples/
https://eschooltoday.com/learn/the-wedge-ramp/
https://www.softschools.com/examples/simple_machines/wedge_examples/507/
Resource for rubric:
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Resource for ideas/inspiration:
https://stemedhub.org/resources/3850/download/2015_Lesson_Plan_Dog_Gone_It_Simple_Machines_gr3.pdf
Teacher Page
Standards:
3.PS.2 Identify types of simple machines and their uses. Investigate and build simple machines to understand how they are used.
Materials needed:
- computer lab or classroom ipads/computers for research
- paper for drawings
- materials for simple machine models. I suggest:
- rubber bands
- popsicle sticks
- tape
- string
- spools
- dowel rods
- buttons
- pipe cleaners
- paper plates
- paper towel/toilet paper rolls
- tissue boxes/books/small empty boxes
- marbles