CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 3A2.00 To understand the types of simple machines and how they use energy
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:
2.01 list the six types of simple machines.
2.02 construct a simple machine and report on possible uses.
2.03 classify tools according to the type of machine they represent.
OUTLINE OF CONTENT:
I. Define simple machines
II. Uses of simple machines
III. Classify simple machines
TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Science In Society
TN GOAL:
To enable students to demonstrate attitudes toward science in solving problems and making personal decisions about issues affecting the individual, society, and the environment.
TN THEME:
4.2 PERSONAL NEEDS - The application of science may be used to change the quality of life for the individual
TN STANDARD(S): The learner will understand that:
4.2a Any individual can participate in and contribute to the process of science.
BENCHMARK: People use and contribute to science to improve their lives.
CLASSROOM CONNECTORS
TIME REQUIRED:
30 minutes
MATERIALS:
Lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw, pictures of simple machines
SET:
Raise you hand if you have ever twisted a screw into a piece of wood. (response) Raise your hand if you have used a piece of wood to raise a rock or some other heavy object. (response) If you have done this, you have worked with simple machines. Today, we will talk more about simple machines.
INSTRUCTION:
Machines are things that help to make work easier. We may not like to wash dishes, but a dishwasher makes it easier. Cutting the grass is hard work, but a mower makes it easier. Can you think of some other machines that make our lives easier? (response) Making a dress takes a long time if you sew it by hand, but a sewing machine makes it easier. The machines we will discuss today are not as complicated as the dishwasher, lawn mower or sewing machine. The machines we will talk about are in a group called simple machines. These machines are very basic. They are not fancy at all, but they are very helpful.
I am going to show you some pictures of simple machines. You tell me what they are. (Lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw) When something is very heavy and you don't have anyone to help you lift it, which one of these machines could you use to help you make the lifting easier? (response) Yes, you would use the pulley, the lever, or the wheel and axle. A good example of the wheel and axle is the wheel barrel. What is an inclined plane? (A piece of wood, or metal that is tilted.) How would you use an inclined plane to help make work easier? (Example: loading ramps) Wedges and screws are forms of inclined planes. Hills and mountains are natural inclined plane.
CLOSURE:
(Have the students classify labeled tools into each of six categories of simple machines. Collect pictures of tools from catalogs for this activity if tools are not available.) Write the six simple machines we have talked about today.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION:
1. Divide the class into groups of four. Each group will create a different machine. Provide all the materials necessary for them to do this in class. Encourage them to bring items: toilet tissue rolls, various types of boxes, rubber bands, tape, string paper clips, etc. Students should demonstrate their machines and present an oral report.
ENRICHMENT:
For a creative writing assignment, have the students write a story about how they think a simple machine was discovered.
SCIENTIST CONNECTION:
Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
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time this file has been accessed since 05/18/97.
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