1. QuestionAncient people invented simple machines that would help them overcome resistive forces and allow them to do the desired work against those forces.

The six simple machines are:Lever

Wheel and Axle Pulley

Inclined Plane Wedge Screw

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How can you use the 6 simple machines to design

your own invention that performs a task?

Mechanical Technology

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2. Information Sources

You will use the online sources below to gather information about the 6 simple machines.

Essence of Simple Machines World Book Video Science in Context BrainPOP Movies (See the library media specialist

for log in information, if requested.)

Student activity listed on next slide.

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3. Student Activity

You will use the online sources together information about the six simple machines and how they are used to provide a mechanical advantage. Use this Simple Machine Chart to record your research notes; remember to cite your sources on the organizer.

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How can you use the 6 simple machines to design

your own invention that performs a task?

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4. Assessment ActivityCan you design a “Rube Goldberg” machine? A famous cartoonist named Rube Goldberg made cartoons of long, tedious inventions that used many steps to do a simple task. These inventions included many simple machines. Here is an example or this one!

Choose a task. The purpose of a Rube Goldberg machine is to seriously over-engineer a process in order to perform a simple task. Examples- popping a balloon, or ringing a bell

Make a drawing of your design, or use digital drawing tool like Dabbleboard.

Use the six simple machines, and label each.

Describe how your invention would work by writing about each step, and what materials you would use.

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Checklist for Your Goldberg Machine

Detailed & completely labeled project, all steps are labeled & explained, all six simple machines are labeled. Neat, & Legible

Simple machines are used correctly to perform the correct task.

This scoring tool will be used to grade your writing.

Use the Web 2.0 tool Dabbleboard as a digital drawing tool.

Not sure how? Use this tutorial for help.

5. Enrichment Activities

Extra Practice!Simple Machines in Use

Goldburger to Go- a Goldberg machine that needs a few minor adjustments before it can work correctly.

Tom and Jerry- build your own Goldberg like machine to help Tom catch Jerry!

Rube Goldberg’s Official Website

More information about simple machines-Canada Science and Technology Museum

News stories on simple machines-e! Science News

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6. Teacher Support Materials

BCPS CurriculumStudents will classify the attributes of engineering design. Describe the engineering design process as a systematic, iterative

approach to problem solving that yields design solutions. Describe the personal characteristics involved in engineering, including

creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to visualize and think abstractly. Define constraints on the engineering design process, including safety,

reliability, economic considerations, quality control, environmental concerns, manufacturability, and ergonomics.

Maryland State Curriculum Develop abilities to apply the design process. (ITEA, STL 11)Apply the design process to solve problems in and beyond the classroom. (ITEA, STL 11-H) Specify criteria and constraints for design. (ITEA, STL 11-I)Common Core State Standards Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Standards for the 21st Century Learner Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.

Time Frame:2 class periods – one for research in computer lab

and one to create machine.

Differentiation: Students can work independently or in group. Provide extended time.Print student copies to allow for highlighting

important information. Have students use assistive tools embedded in the

BCPS databases such as read aloud and dictionary links.

Learning Styles: Visual Learners, Reflective, Tactile Learners, Auditory Learners Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence, Analytical Understanding

Notes to the teacher:Students could present their machine to classmates. View links before hand, along with Dabbleboard.Students may print their work from Dabbleboard or choose to use another tool. If there are problems, see your Library Media Specialist.

Last updated: July 2015Created by Sara Saffell linked to email address, Library Media Specialist

BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2015, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.

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