Simple Machines Design Project

We recently wrapped up our Simple Machines Design Project.  During this unit, we first learned about each of the six simple machines.  Using the pictures below, have your scientist explain what we did during each of these activities.  Ask them to explain how and why we use each simple machine.

inclined plane

wedge

screw

pulley

wheel and axle

lever

 We then applied this new information to a special design project.  Each group was tasked to design and build a compound machine that contained at least two simple machines.  This compound machine needed to be able to move a rock 30 centimeters vertically and 50 centimeters horizontally.  One of our focuses during the building process was testing our machine, learning from that test, and making necessary adjustments.  Each group kept a list of the changes that they made to their original design as they tested and tweaked their design project.  After all that hard work, the groups got to present their machine to the class and explain how it worked.  I was impressed with how well the groups worked together and how they collaboratively solved some of the problems that they encountered while building their machine.

Building our design projects

Presenting our compound machines

Simple Machine Song