Introduction
Simple and Compound Machines WebQuest
Machines make our work easier! This WebQuest will help you understand simple machines. It will also help you find simple machines in compound machines! Remember, a compound machine is 2 or more simple machines that work together! Let’s learn more so you can invent your own machine!
Background
Did you know there are 6 simple machines? They are called a:
- Lever
- Inclined Plane
- Wedge
- Screw
- Wheel and Axle
- Pulley
Task
You will complete a drawing and written description of “How it Works” for each of the 6 simple machines. A compound machine drawing that identifies the simple machines in it and a description of what work it does.
Process
Simple Machines
- Click on the link to go to the website “Simple Machine Links”. Explore Simple Machines in the House Activity (click on Start).
- Click on these 2 websites and look at the pictures.
- http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm(pictures)
- http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html(pictures)
- Click on at least 4 websites and gather more information.
- http://www.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/(explanation)
- http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html(explanation with pictures)
- http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/02338/(explanation)
- http://tech.texasdi.org/simplemachines(explanation)
- http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/machines.htm(explanation)
- http://www.cosi.org/files/Flash/simpMach/sm1.html(explanation)
- Dowload and complete both columns for simple machines on Simple Machine Worksheet:
- Describe “How It Works” for each simple machine. Include scientific terms: force, gravity, motion, or friction.
- Draw 1 additional example for each simple machine.
Compound Machines
- Click on website under “Compound Machines”. Practice identifying simple machines in compound machines. Explore Compound Machines in the Tool Shed Activity (Click Start).
- Click on website under “More Compound Machines” and read the explanation and complete the activity.
- Complete Complex Machine sections onSimple Machine Worksheet:
- Draw 1 diagram of a compound machine
- Name each simple machine in the compound machine
- Write what work the compound machine does. Include scientific terms: force, gravity, motion, or friction.
- Answer reflection questions in your oblog (notebook).
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on how well you completed your Simple Machines Worksheet using this Rubric.
| Simple Machines Worksheet | Meets Standard = 15 Points |
|---|---|
| Column #1 - Example for each Simple Machine (1/2 point each machine) | 3 points |
| Column #2 - Description of “How it Works” for each Simple Machine (1/2 point each machine) | 3 points |
| Column #3 - Additional Example of a Simple Machine (1/2 point each machine) | 3 points |
| Diagram of a Compound Machine | 2 points |
| Identify simple machines in the Compound Machine | 2 points |
| What Work does the Compound Machine Do (include words: force, gravity, motion, or friction) | 2 points |
| TOTAL | 15 Points |