Simple Machines
Chapter 3
Choose your own Adventure
For this unit, there will be no Test. Instead, you
will be expected to demonstrate your learning of
the material in three ways. 1. by completing your
choice of the following projects. Your grade will be
determined by the amount of points earned. (150 =
C, 175 = B, 200 = A) up to 225 pts will be
accepted.
2. You will need to demonstrate understanding on
three Quizzes: one on each section of the chapter.
Quizzes will be given on specific dates, so you will
want to make sure you are keeping up with the
work. Quiz re-takes will NOT be offered.
You will also be responsible for taking notes on the chapter, as given in class. (These will cover
information on the quizzes)
3. After completing the assignments above, you will work in a small group to design and build
your own Rube-Goldberg type machine to accomplish a simple task. Grading will be based on a
group effort completing all parts of the assignment, as well as an individual grade on your
contribution to the group. All members should be participating. Work on Rube-Goldberg
project will start after Christmas Vacation.
Points: You must choose at least three selections from each of the 3 lessons, and one selection
from the Chapter summary section. You should complete points from each of the 3 lessons
before beginning the Chapter Summary projects.
Lesson 1: Work and Power: Quiz and points for this section due Friday, Dec 6.
_____ Mini lab (15 pts): complete the Mini lab on pg 89, including the questions. Use the
minilab sheet in the worksheets folder. Test 4 surfaces: Desk, carpet, hall floor, and another
surface of your choosing. Lab may be done together with a partner, but questions answered on
your own. Describe the procedure used, include a table for results, and answer the three
questions.
_____ Foldable (20 pts): Make the foldable as pictured on pg. 88, write a sentence and draw a
picture for each page (What is work?, How is work calculated? How are work and energy
related?) . You may use colorful construction paper, if desired.
_____ Poster (20 pts) Create a poster to illustrate the concepts of Work and Power. Poster
should explain definitions, equations, and show a sample problem and real-world example.
Points awarded based on neatness, completeness, visual appeal and effort.
_____ Lesson 1 Review (10 pts) Complete the lesson review (1-10) pg. 92
_____ Research (25 pts) Read the article on horsepower on pg. 93. Create an advertising flyer
for Watts’ new steam engine. Include a summary of the article in your own words, and research
why steam engines are not in use much today.
_____ Worksheet (pink) (10 pts each, may do up to 2)
Lesson 2: Using Machines: Quiz and points for this section due Friday, Dec 13
_____ Mini lab (15 pts): complete the Mini lab on pg 96, including the questions. Lab may be
done together with a partner, but questions answered on your own. Describe the procedure used,
include a table for results, and answer the three questions on a lined piece of paper.
_____ Foldable (20 pts): Make the foldable as pictured on pg. 98, for How Machines Make
work Easier. Write a sentence and draw a picture for each tab (Changing Size of Force,
Changing Distance, and Changing Direction) . You may use colorful construction paper, if
desired.
_____ Poster (20 pts) Create a poster to illustrate the concepts of Mechanical Advantage and
Efficiency. Poster should explain definitions, equations, and show a sample problem and realworld example. Points awarded based on neatness, completeness, visual appeal and effort.
_____ Lesson 2 Review (10 pts) Complete the lesson review (1-10) pg. 100.
_____ Research (25 pts) Do research on the trebuchet (shown on p 102). Write a description of
what a trebuchet is, what is was used for, and how it works. For 25 more points, build a working
model of a trebuchet.
_____ Worksheet (yellow) (10 pts each, may do up to 2)
Lesson 3: Simple Machines: Quiz and points for this section due Thursday Dec 19.
_____ Foldable (20 pts): Make the foldable as pictured on pg. 107, for the types of Simple
Machines. Summarize and draw a picture for each type. You may use colorful construction
paper, if desired.
_____ Poster (20 pts) Create a poster to illustrate the 3 classes of Levers. Explain and give realworld examples for each.. Points awarded based on neatness, completeness, visual appeal and
effort.
_____ Nova Lab (20 pts) Complete Nova Lever Loads activity, Part I by yourself, Part II data
collection with a partner, answer questions by yourself.
_____ Lesson 3 Review (10 pts) Complete the lesson review (1-8) pg. 111.
_____ Research (25 pts) Research how simple machines were used by ancient Egyptians to build
the pyramids. Include a list of at least 3 good sources, and illustrations.
_____ Worksheet (purple) (10 pts each, may do up to 2)
_____ Scavenger Hunt sheet from Kids Discover Simple Machines magazine (20 pts)
Chapter Summary Selections: Final Points due on or before Jan 10
_______Vocab: (20 pts). Make a set of flashcards for these vocabulary words from the chapter.
Include the word on one side, and on the other side the definition, equation if applicable, and a
visual representation. (1. Work, 2. Power, 3. mechanical advantage, 4. efficiency, 5.simple
machine, 6. lever, 7. fulcrum, 8. wheel and axle, 9. inclined plane, 10. wedge, 11. screw, 12.
pulley) Complete foldable envelope, for storing the flash cards in your notebook.
_____ Chapter Review (10 pts) Work the Chapter Review p. 116 (1-11)
_____ Math Skills (20 pts) do the Math practice problems (22-27)
_____Investigation (50 pts) Choose one of the following places where simple machines are used:
• garden/farm
• kitchen/restaurant
• office/school
• garage/workshop
• on a boat
• playground/amusement park
Name five (non-electrical) machines that are used there. Draw a diagram of each.
Label the simple machines that make up each one.
______ Experiment (50 pts) Using the scientific method, design and perform an experiment to
test the question “How does effort required to pull an object up an inclined plane change with
the angle of inclination?” Get approval of your procedure, experiment must be done outside of
class (at lunch or after school). May be done with a partner (share data, write up your own
conclusion)
_____ Engineering (50 pts) Research federal guidelines for wheelchair ramps. Take
measurements, and write a proposal for putting a wheelchair ramp in St. Matthew’s School.
Proposal should include design, including scale drawings showing exact placement.
The time has come for you to begin designing and building your product.
The device you're making is a simplified version of a Rube Goldberg
device. In these types of machines, many individual steps are tied
together to accomplish a task. Usually, the effort you expend is many
times greater than the benefit you get from the machine. The game
"Mousetrap" is a classic example of a Rube Goldberg device. Your machine
must complete one of the following tasks:
crush a soda can
wake you up in the morning
feed your pet
pick up paper clips
dispense some candy
break an egg
Specifications:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vocab:
1. Your completed project must consist of a minimum of 3 simple
machines linked together.
2. One machine must be a member of the inclined plane family.
3. One machine must belong to the lever family.
4. The third machine is one of your own choosing; however, only one
inclined plane may be used in your device. (Two inclined planes will be
allowed only if more than three simple machines are used in your
project.)
5. You may not connect two identical machines (i.e. you cannot have
two levers in a row.)
6. A car moving down a ramp only counts as one simple machine.
7. Once you start your machine, you may not touch it until the task
is completed. In addition, you may not directly apply force to any
pulley used in the machine (i.e. you can not pull up or down on a
pulley).
Work
Energy
Machine
Simple Machine
Worksheets (pink, lesson one) print: p. 10-11, outline, p. 11 mini lab, math skills, p. 17 and 18,
24 and 25 (work and power).
Worksheets (yellow, lesson 2) 29 and 30 (lesson outline) p. 31 mini lab (not yellow); 32 and 33
content practice, 34&35 math practice, p. 42 (wheelchair ramps – church ?)
Worksheets (purple, lesson 3) launch lab p 48, 49 simple machines summary, 50,51 lesson
outline, p. 59 simple machines examples, 57 and 58, 62 with 63
Answers 96-101