Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Humans have developed devices and tools to make work easier for a long time. These simple devices have, over time, developed into more complex systems able to do more complex tasks.
Let’s explore simple machines – the different types, where we find them in everyday life, how they are used and how these simple machines make work easier.
Watch the introductory video to get an overview of today’s lesson.
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question and intentions
Inquiry question:
How do simple machines make work easier?
Learning intentions:
To identify different types of simple machines.
To describe the use of different simple machines.
To explain how different machines make work easier.
To understand that complex mechanical systems are made up of simple machines.
Activity 1: What is a machine?
Activity 1: What is a machine?
Task 1 - What do you already know about simple machines?
Task 1 - What do you already know about simple machines?
Use the KWL chart to record your knowledge and understanding.
Click on the image to open the template in a new tab.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Background information
Background information
We often use the word ‘machine’ to describe complex mechanical devices with moving parts like cars, robots, cranes, power tools and farm machinery that are powered by an engine or motor and designed to perform useful labour saving tasks.
These are complex machines that are made up of a combination of simple machines. Even robots like Atlas, Handle and Spot are complex machines that incorporate simple machines and use electronic sensors to detect the environment around them. These sensors inform the robot about what actions to take and how to perform them.
The six most common simple machines are the:
inclined plane
wheel and axle
pulley
lever
screw
wedge.
Atlas Partners in Parkour
Duration: 1:05
Boston Dynamics' amazing robots Atlas and Handle
Duration: 7:18
Hey Buddy, Can you Give Me a Hand?
Duration: 0:45
Task 2 - Complete a Freyar diagram on machines
Task 2 - Complete a Freyar diagram on machines
List some examples of simple machines.
Find some non-examples (things that are not simple machines).
Research and write a definition.
Find some facts about, or characteristics of, simple machines.
Click on the image to open the template in a new tab.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Activity 2: Investigating simple machines
Activity 2: Investigating simple machines
Task 1 - Before the video
Task 1 - Before the video
Around your home there will be a wide variety of simple machines which may not be obvious at a first, including scissors, taps, door handles, hammer, tongs, doors, can opener and pliers.
How many examples of simple machines can you find in and around your home?
Task 2 - During the video
Task 2 - During the video
In your exercise book or folder, list examples of simple machines mentioned or seen in the video.
Simple machines
Duration: 6:11
Task 3 - After the video
Task 3 - After the video
Complete these interactives.
Drag the definitions to match the image.
Activity 3: Everyday simple machines
Activity 3: Everyday simple machines
Definition: A simple machine is a device that changes the direction of the force on an object or the size of the force on an object.
Task 1 - Exploring your home
Task 1 - Exploring your home
Explore in and around your home to find simple machines. Create a list or make a photo collection of what you find.
Complete the following task by using the Everyday simple machines activity Google Doc.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Doc activity sheet.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Task 2 - The value of an invention
Task 2 - The value of an invention
Choose one of the simple machines you found around your home.
How does it make your life easier?
Think about what it would be like if it had not been invented.
What would life be like without it?
How else could you complete the task?
Complete this task by using the My simple machine writing scaffold Google Slide.
Click on the button to open a new tab and view the Google Slide.
Click on the Use Template button to create a copy for you to edit.
Task 3 - Compound machines
Task 3 - Compound machines
Did you notice that some objects were not just one type of simple machine? Sometimes machines are made up of two or more simple machines. These are called compound machines.
In your exercise book or folder, describe one example of a compound machine that you found.
Activity 4 – Rube Goldberg machines
Activity 4 – Rube Goldberg machines
Task 1 - Example of a Rube Goldberg machine
Task 1 - Example of a Rube Goldberg machine
Copy this list into your exercise book or folder:
inclined plane
wheel and axle
pulley
lever
screw
wedge.
Watch the video by OK Go showing a Rube Goldberg Machine.
While you watch, use the list to make a tally of the number of times you see each one of the six simple machines being used.
OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine - Official Video
Duration: 3:53
Task 2 - Describing how a Rube Goldberg machine works using simple machines.
Task 2 - Describing how a Rube Goldberg machine works using simple machines.
Choose one of the following images of a Rube Goldberg machine.
In your exercise book or folder, describe how it works using your knowledge of science and simple machines.
Note: If you have a visual imparment and can't use these images watch this video from KXAN local news on Vimeo and listen to the example of a Rube Goldberg made by blind students that relies on sound to hear the chain reactions in motion.
Task 3 - Complete a Plus, Minus, Interesting chart
Task 3 - Complete a Plus, Minus, Interesting chart
After identifying the simple machines within your chosen image, do you think this machine could really work as intended?
Complete a PMI to think deeper about, and justify your response.
Extension - Further explorations
Extension - Further explorations
Task 1 - Designing a compound machine
Task 1 - Designing a compound machine
Have you ever wanted your own machine to do a job around the house for you? For example, making your bed, cooking you breakfast, cutting your hair….
Design a ‘device’ composed of one or more simple machines (compound machine) which does your chosen job.
Give a brief explanation of how it achieves its task.
Task 2 - Designing a Rube Goldberg machine
Task 2 - Designing a Rube Goldberg machine
Explore some more crazy Rube Goldberg machines online and then design your own!
What would be your invention?
Draw your own machine and describe how it works.
What simple machines have you used?
Check your understanding
Check your understanding
Handing in your work
Handing in your work
Don't forget to hand in the work you completed today!
Your teacher will have told you to do one of the following:
Upload any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your Learning Management system (MS Teams, Google Classroom for example).
Email any digital documents you created and any photos you took of your written work to your teacher.
Make sure you keep any hand written work you did in your exercise book or folder as your teacher may need to see these when you are back in class.
Student reflection
Student reflection
Show how do you feel about today’s learning.
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