DESIGN // GRADE 6 // Simply Amazing.

Unit Overview.

In this Grade 6 Design unit, students will explore the world of simple machines by building an obstacle course or marble run. They will learn about the six basic simple machines, including inclined planes, levers, pulleys, wedges, screws, and wheel-and-axle, and how these machines can be combined to create more complex systems.

// STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

When collaborating, complex technical systems can emerge from the scientific functions of simple parts

// KEY CONCEPT

Systems

// RELATED CONCEPTS

Function, Collaboration

// GLOBAL CONTEXT

Scientific and Technical Innovation // Models

// FACTUAL QUESTIONS

What are the six basic types of simple machines?
How does an inclined plane make work easier?
What is the difference between a screw and a wedge?

// CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS

How do simple machines work together to form more complex systems?
In what ways does the concept of mechanical advantage apply to both simple and complex machines?
How does understanding the function of individual components contribute to the design of a larger system?

// DEBATABLE QUESTIONS

Is it more important for a marble run to be visually appealing or functionally efficient?
Should engineers prioritize simplicity or complexity when designing machines?
Is collaboration always necessary to create complex systems, or can individuals achieve the same results?

The Challenge.

Hammy the Hamster is both bored and hungry. Your job is to work out the best way that you can both entertain and feed him. To solve this problem, you will need to research the use of the 6 simple machines and then create an obstacle course with them to deliver food to Hammy.

Assessment.

Criterion

A

A. INQUIRING AND ANALYSING

A1. EXPLAIN AND JUSTIFY THE NEED

What problem is Hammy facing? Write a paragraph that explains his problems and why it is important for us to solve these. Review what the command terms for "explain" and "justify" mean when writing your problem. We are not yet looking for a solution.

What to do: Write a detailed paragraph that not only explains what problems Hammy is facing (boredom and hunger), but also gives clear reasons why solving these problems is important for Hammy’s well-being and happiness.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Clearly describe Hammy’s current situation, referencing both his need for stimulation (entertainment) and for food delivery.
- Use evidence or reasoning (from research or observation) to justify why it’s necessary to address both needs, considering Hammy’s health, behavior, and quality of life.
- Go beyond a simple description-provide thoughtful reasons and show you understand why this matters for Hammy as your client/target audience

A2. IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE THE RESEARCH

Once we know the problem and we are starting to think about solutions, we should identify the research we need to do to get to a potential solution. In a table, outline 3 to 5 questions that will help your research. Make sure these are prioritized.

What to do: Create a table listing 3–5 research questions that will help you find the best way to entertain and feed Hammy using simple machines. Clearly order these questions from most to least important.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Construct your research plan independently, showing you can identify both primary (e.g., observing Hammy) and secondary (e.g., reading about simple machines or hamster behavior) research needs.
- Prioritize your questions logically, thinking about why each is important and why you have ordered them this way.
- Your questions should be focused, relevant, and show an understanding of what information you need to design an effective obstacle course for Hammy

A3. ANALYSE EXISTING PRODUCTS

To gain a deeper understanding of potential solutions, it is important to analyse existing products. First, develop a clear set of criteria to be used for evaluation, then consider the pros and cons of the analysed products.

What to do: Find and analyse several (at least 2–3) existing marble runs, hamster obstacle courses, or toys that use simple machines.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Develop a clear set of criteria for your analysis (e.g., fun for hamsters, safety, use of simple machines, ability to deliver food).
- For each product, provide a detailed analysis: describe its features, how it works, and how it might inspire your own design.
- Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each product, using your criteria, and explain how these examples inform your own ideas for Hammy’s obstacle course

A4. DEVELOP A DESIGN BRIEF

Summarise the work from Criterion A by writing a paragraph that details the problem, the need to solve it, the research findings, the objective, and the deliverable.

What to do: Write a concise paragraph summarizing your findings from the previous strands.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Your design brief should clearly state the problem, the need for a solution, key research findings, your objective (what you aim to achieve), and what you will deliver (a marble run/obstacle course using simple machines to feed and entertain Hammy).
- Show that your brief is based on a thorough analysis of the problem and research, and that it will guide your next steps in the design cycle

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. states the need for a solution to a problem

i. outlines the need for a solution to a problem

i. explains the need for a solution to a problem

i. explains and justifies the need for a solution to a problem

ii.

ii. states some points of research needed to develop a solution, with some guidance

ii. states and prioritizes the main points of research needed to develop a solution to the problem, with some guidance

ii. states and prioritizes the main points of research needed to develop a solution to the problem, with minimal guidance

iii.

iii. states the main features of an existing product that inspires a solution to the problem

iii. outlines the main features of an existing product that inspires a solution to the problem

iii. describes the main features of an existing product that inspires a solution to the problem

iv.

iv. states the findings of research

iv. outlines some of the main findings of research

iv. outlines the main findings of relevant research

iv. presents the main findings of relevant research

B. DEVELOPING IDEAS

B1. DEVELOP A DESIGN SPECIFICATION

What to do: Create a comprehensive list of design specifications that clearly explain the success criteria for your marble run solution. These should be based on your research and analysis from Criterion A.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Write detailed, clear, and measurable specifications (e.g., “The marble run must use at least four different simple machines,” “It must deliver food to Hammy safely,” “It should be entertaining for at least 2 minutes,” “All materials must be safe for hamsters,” etc.).
- Each specification should be explained-why is it important, and how will it help solve Hammy’s problem?
- Show that your specifications are directly informed by your research and analysis, not just general ideas

B2. DEVELOP DESIGN IDEAS

What to do: Produce several different design ideas for your marble run, each with clear, detailed sketches. Your sketches must address the following categories:
- Layouts: Show different possible overall arrangements of your marble run.
- Obstacles/Features: Sketch specific obstacles or features (e.g., tunnels, jumps, spinning wheels).
- Simple Machines: Clearly indicate what your chosen simple machines will look like and where they will be used.
- Theme: Show how your design will have a consistent theme (e.g., jungle, space, playground).
- Cardboard Techniques: Illustrate how you will use cardboard (e.g., folding, slotting, layering, tabs).
How to achieve 7–8:
- Present different design ideas, each with labeled, detailed sketches covering all five categories above.
- Annotate your sketches thoroughly-explain what each part is, how it works, and why you chose that feature.
- Ensure your ideas are realistic, creative, and possible to build with the available time and materials.
- Your sketches and annotations should be so clear that someone else could understand and potentially build your design

B3. PRESENT THE CHOSEN DESIGN

What to do: Select the best ideas from your sketches and present it clearly.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Clearly present your chosen direction with a detailed drawing (B4 - see below).
- Fully and critically justify why you selected this design over the others, using detailed reference to your design specifications (e.g., “I chose this design because it uses all six simple machines in creative ways, fits the theme, is safe for Hammy, and can be built with the materials we have”).
- Explain the strengths and any possible weaknesses of your chosen design, and how it best meets the needs of Hammy and the project goals

B4. DEVELOP PLANNING DRAWINGS

What to do: Produce a final, accurate, and detailed drawing or diagram of your chosen design, including all necessary information for construction.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Your final drawing must include:
  - Precise measurements for all key parts (lengths, widths, heights, angles).
  - Labels for all features, obstacles, and simple machines.
  - Clear indication of materials and cardboard techniques to be used.
- The drawing should be neat, easy to read, and detailed enough that someone else could build your design without asking questions.

Criterion

B

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. states one basic success criterion for a solution

i. states a few success criteria for the solution

i. develops a few success criteria for the solution

i. develops a list of success criteria for the solution

ii.

ii. presents one design idea, which can be interpreted by others

ii. presents more than one design idea, using an appropriate medium(s) or

labels key features, which can be interpreted by others

ii. presents a few feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and labels key features, which can be interpreted by others

ii. presents feasible design ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and outlines the key features, which can be correctly interpreted by others

iii.

iii. states the key features of the chosen design

iii. presents the chosen design stating the key features

iii. presents the chosen design describing the key features

iv.

iv. creates an incomplete planning drawing/diagram

iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram or lists requirements for the creation of the chosen solution

iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram and lists the main details for the creation of the chosen solution

iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram, which outlines the main details for making the chosen solution

Criterion

C

C. CREATING THE SOLUTION

C1. CONSTRUCT A LOGICAL PLAN

What to do: Create a GANTT chart that lists tasks (e.g., "Build inclined plane," "Test food delivery mechanism"), resources (e.g., cardboard, hot glue, hamster), and time estimates (e.g., 30 minutes per task).
How to achieve 7–8:
- List all the necessary steps/tasks for the creation of your solution
- List all the necessary resources needed for the creation of your solution
- Ensure the GANTT chart is detailed and sequential.
- Include contingency plans for potential delays (e.g., "If glue fails, use tape as backup").

C2. DEMONSTRATE TECHNICAL SKILLS

What to do: Demonstrate specific workshop skills used and document these in your process journals (see C3 below), such as:
- Hot gluing joints securely.
- Precision cutting of cardboard with craft knives/scissors.
- Painting/decorating for aesthetics and theme consistency.
- Assembly techniques (e.g., slotting, folding, reinforcing weak points).
How to achieve 7–8:
- Show and document mastery of tools (e.g., clean cuts, no excess glue).
- Include close-up photos of technical details (e.g., pulley system, lever mechanism) with annotations

C3. FOLLOW THE PLAN TO MAKE THE SOLUTION

What to do: Maintain a Padlet process journal with:
- Daily entries (text, images, videos) showing progress.
- Reflections on challenges (e.g., "Marble got stuck at screw section-adjusted angle").
- Evidence of adhering to the GANTT chart (e.g., "Completed painting on schedule").
How to achieve 7–8:
- Ensure your process journal entries are consistent and thorough, with dates.
- Make sure to answer the questions in detail
- Complete your solution to an excellent standard, so that it works as intended

C4. JUSTIFY CHANGES MADE TO THE DESIGNS

What to do: Create a comparative table outlining changes to the design and plan, including details about the original plan/design and the revised plan/design as well as the reasons for this
How to achieve 7–8:
- Explain how modifications improved functionality or safety (e.g., "Redesigned lever to prevent food jams")
- Include changes to both the plan AND the design
- Provide detailed reasons for your changes

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. lists the main steps in a plan that contains some details, resulting in peers having difficulty following the plan to create the solution

i. lists the steps in a plan, which considers time and resources, resulting in peers being able to follow the plan to create the solution

i. outlines a plan, which considers the use of resources and time, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the solution

ii.

i. demonstrates minimal technical skills when making the solution

ii. demonstrates satisfactory technical skills when making the solution

ii. demonstrates competent technical skills when making the solution

ii. demonstrates excellent technical skills when making the solution

iii.

i. creates the solution, which functions poorly and is presented in an incomplete form

iii. creates the solution, which partially functions and is adequately presented

iii. creates the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately

iii. follows the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended and is presented appropriately

iv.

iv. states one change made to the chosen design or plan when making the solution

iv. states one change made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

iv. lists the changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution

D. EVALUATING

D1. DESIGN TESTING METHODS

What to do: Create a testing plan table that connects each design specification to an ACCESSFM criterion and a testing method..
How to achieve 7–8:
- Design 3–5 rigorous tests that generate both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., timed trials, survey results, annotated photos of Hammy interacting with obstacles).
- Include hamster testing as a primary user trial, documenting behaviors (e.g., "If Hammy interacts with the lever 5 times in 3 minutes").

D2. EVALUATE THE SUCCESS OF THE SOLUTION

What to do: Conduct your tests and record the results. Make sure to determine the success of each test and evaluate the overall result of your tests.
How to achieve 7–8:
- Present the results of your tests and detail specific data (e.g., "Hammy completed the course in 1.5 minutes on average").
- For each of the tests, determine whether it has been a success
- Provide an overall evaluation of your tests

D3. EXPLAIN HOW THE SOLUTION COULD BE IMPROVED

What to do: Write a short paragraph with bullet points about the key areas that you would like to improve upon
How to achieve 7–8:
- Include at least 3 improvements in detail
- Justify the listed changes with direct evidence (e.g., "Survey results showed 80% of peers found the theme boring").

D4. EXPLAIN THE IMPACT OF THE SOLUTION

Criterion

D

1-2

3-4

5-6

(3 or more of)

i.

i. defines a testing method, which is used to measure the success of the solution

i. defines a relevant testing method, which generates data, to measure the success of the solution

i. defines relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the solution

i. outlines simple, relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the solution

ii.

iv. states the success of the solution

ii. states the success of the solution against the design specification based on the results of one relevant test

ii. states the success of the solution against the design specification based on relevant product testing

ii. outlines the success of the solution against the design specification based on authentic product testing

iii.

iii. states one way in which the solution could be improved

iii. outlines one way in which the solution could be improved

iii. outlines how the solution could be improved

iv.

iv. states one way in which the solution can impact the client/target audience

iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the client/target audience, with guidance

iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the client/target audience

Resources.

Britannica - Simple Machines

Page updated

Report abuse