Simple Machines
Simple Machines
Offered on Thursdays from:
1:00pm-3:00pm
4:30pm-6:30pm
Beginner
At the beginner level, students will explore the various types if simple machines and engage in problem solving activities that reinforce and deepens their understanding of these principles. Each topic begins with a lesson, followed by an interactive activity to reinforce the concept, and concludes with a problem-solving project to ensure a thorough understanding.
Key Concepts:
- Introduction to Simple Machines
- Gears
- Wheels and Axles
- Levers
- Pulleys
- Engineering Design Process
- Mechanical Advantage
- Standard Units of Measure
- Predicting outcomes of various trials
Intermediate
At the intermediate level, students will dive deeper into the types of simple machines, as well as explore simple and powers machines and mechanisms. They will engage in a lesson for each principle model, accompanied by a hands-on building activity. Students will also take part in a series of projects that integrate multiple principle models into each exercise.
Key Concepts:
- Levers
- Wheels & Axles
- Pulleys
- Inclined Planes
- Wedge
- Screw
- Gears
- Cams
- Pawl & Ratchet
- Structures
- Engineering Design Process
- Mechanical Advantage
- Scientific Inquiry & Measurement
Proficient
At the proficient level, students will expand thier understanding of simple and powered machines and mechanisms. They will participate in advanced projects and problem-solving activities that encourage deeper application of the principles. Students will complete a range of critical thinking activities that integrate multiple key concepts.
Key Concepts:
- Levers
- Wheels & Axles
- Pulleys
- Inclined Planes
- Wedge
- Screw
- Gears
- Cams
- Pawl & Ratchet
- Structures
- Engineering Design Process
- Mechanical Advantage
- Scientific Inquiry & Measurement
- Quantitative Analysis
Advanced
At the advanced level, students will tackle a variety of advanced projects that introduce new concepts such as renewable energy and pneumatics. They will be challenged to apply thier knowledge in innovative ways, expanding the limits of their problem-solving skills and technical understanding.
Key Concepts:
- Renewable Energy
- Pneumatics
Expert
At the expert level, students will undertake challenging projects tailored to thier own interests, allowing them to explore and apply thier knowledge in a personalized way.
Project Exampls:
- Rube Goldberg Machine
- Vehicles
