Simple machines can be used to make work easier and faster. Compound machines are basically simple machines placed together to work together. Work is force acting on an object that moves it a distance (W=F*d). A simple machine must have some force applied to it to do work. Simple machines let us use a small force to beat bigger forces. They can also change the direction of the force. Keep in mind that a simple machine cannot create energy (F input * d input = F output * d output). If you want the force output to be big and distance output to be small, you need to have a big distance input and a small force input. If you want the force output to be small and the distance output to be large, then the force input needs to be large and the distance input to be small (Fd = Fd). There are three simple machines will be focus on for this project: lever, pulley, and wheel and axle. .
The lever is used in seesaws, shovels, hammers, and other everyday objects. A lever consists of three main parts: the fulcrum, rod, and the load the machine is acting on it. The fulcrum, or fixed point, allows the rod to move up and down freely. There are three classes of levers, but for this project a will be using the second-class lever. This lever allows us to use less force to act on the load. In other words, less force and more distance will be inputted to result in more force and less distance. This kind of lever in usually used to move heavy objects. The fulcrum is closer to the load to achieve this. This simple machine will probably be the best to lift the soda can. Most of the lever can be built out of wood. The fulcrum may be made out of metal or wood. .
The pulley is used in cranes. Pulleys usually lift the load. A pulley changes the direction in the force to do that. A pulley is used to change the direction of the force. It can also multiply forces depending on the type. In this project a type one and two pulley will be used.
Essays Related to Simple Machines
1.
Technology and machines have become more advanced we have grown accustomed to having machines such as computers and cars in our everyday lives. Our own machines will soon surpass our own intelligence. ... Machines have played a vital role in our lives. ... When they were first created a computer that had the power of one of today"s simple five dollar calculators required so much space to hold all of their necessary equipment it could take up a whole room, but the simple machine known today can be made so small it can not even be handled by a human due to its s...
- Word Count: 1272
- Approx Pages: 5
- Grade Level: High School
2.
AI is the attempt to make machines, specifically computers, perform intelligently through programming. ... It could be said that the human brain is nothing more than a machine, and as we know it to be capable of thought it would be fair to surmise that therefore machines can think and it is probably this, or a similar premise that inspired AI. ... This argument is an attempt to demonstrate that although a computer program appears to be understanding a story, it is merely obeying simple instructions, and has no understanding at all. ... But what are these natural causal properties, and from ...
- Word Count: 1323
- Approx Pages: 5
- Has Bibliography
3.
In The Time Machine by H.G Wells, Wells portrays the future to an exact detail. ... The Eloi are simple and beautiful creatures, but the Time Traveler thinks of them as weak and lazy. ... Through the Time Machine Wells warns that mankind will come to end if capitalism continues. ... Social Darwinism and evolution are presented throughout the Time Machine. ... Well"s uses the Time Machine to project what he believes the future will be. ...
- Word Count: 1454
- Approx Pages: 6
- Grade Level: High School
4.
Rage Against The Machine At first thought a band standing on stage naked for 15 minutes without saying a word or playing a single note might seem lewd, but after finding that they were silently protesting censorship one might think differently of them. Rage Against the Machine (RATM) is probably one of the most atypical bands that one could ever find. ... Believe it or not there are bands who care less about money and more about issues and Rage Against the Machine is one of them. ... The majority of their songs were primarily written as activist poetry by Zack de la Rocha (lead singer ...
- Word Count: 519
- Approx Pages: 2
5.
ABSTRACT Complex system theory in animals and machines is well developed and a basic synopsis is provided. ... These ideas have been applied in the field of Engineering to develop machines for controlling states of objects or events: a simple temperature control system is used as a model. ... This process, is the modern basis of the modern theory regarding the evolution of life, which in simple terms can be described as the process of prolonging a type of structure through; duplication, reproduction or other processes. ... A basic comparison of control systems in nature and machines can b...
- Word Count: 908
- Approx Pages: 4
- Has Bibliography
- Grade Level: Undergraduate
6.
Personally thinking, technology makes people"s life simpler than making people"s lives more complicated because newly developed devices, improvement of living condition and efficient transportation. ... All of those technologies can help people get a simpler and easier lives. ... Thus, technology has more benefits can be discovered, and it make lives simpler rather than more complicated. In conclusion, although technology may be a little bit complicated, when we count it use on machines, communication, information, and transportation, it is more pure and effortless for our lives. ...
- Word Count: 787
- Approx Pages: 3
- Has Bibliography
- Grade Level: Undergraduate
7.
A simple distinction between both groups is that humans depend on organization where as animals do not. The Time Machine by H.G. ... Unlike the Eloi, the Morlocks have a curiosity for knowledge which is why they take the time machine. ... When the time machine is returned to him, he notices that it is very clean and well oiled. ... Wells illustrates this quite well in The Time Machine. ...
М.В. Рудакова (г.Иркутск)
Методическая разработка занятия по теме «Machines and Work» (Машины и работа)
Аннотация
Данное занятие проводится при изучении темы: «Машины и работа» со студентами III курса (1 семестр) по специальности 110809 «Механизация сельского хозяйства ». Занятие разработано по учебнику Бгашев В.Н., Долматовская Е.Ю. Английский язык для студентов машиностроительных специальностей. Студенты уже прошли базовый этап подготовки по дисциплине, и уже достаточно владеют лексическим и грамматическим материалом для изучения программы английского языка профессиональной направленности. Занятие предназначается для продвинутого этапа подготовки по английскому языку и обеспечивает коммуникативную профессиональную направленность обучения. По данной теме студенты уже изучили основной лексический и грамматический материал, поэтому тип занятия - систематизация и обобщение знаний . Все этапы занятия построены на единых методических принципах, развивают основные виды иноязычной речевой деятельности, формируют межкультурные компетенции будущих специалистов. На занятии используется технология коммуникативного обучения и технология обучения в сотрудничестве, а также технология критического мышления. Для реализации поставленной цели применяются познавательные методы мотивации, волевые методы (самооценка и коррекция, рефлексия поведения), а также метод мозгового штурма. На этапе построения проекта студентам предлагается использовать, как прием, ментальную карту (Mind Map). Особое внимание было уделено изучению лексического аспекта, так как обучающийся должен уметь переводить тексты профессиональной направленности, общаться на профессиональные темы; самостоятельно совершенствовать и пополнять словарный запас.
Все этапы занятия способствуют развитию речевой, языковой и профессиональной компетенции и достижению поставленных воспитательных и образовательных целей. Предметом оценки служат умения и знания, предусмотренные ФГОС по дисциплине Английский язык , направленные на формирование общих и профессиональных компетенций.
Тема занятия: «Machines and Work» (Машины и работа)
Цель занятия: создать условия для развитиякоммуникативной компетенции.
Задачи занятия: образовательная: формировать лексические навыки говорения, развивать умения смыслового чтения (просмотровое, поисковое, изучающее); развивающая: развивать память, внимание, мышление, логическое мышление и языковую догадку, учить анализировать, обобщать, группировать); воспитательная; воспитывать познавательный интерес в изучении иностранного языка, формировать навыки групповой работы.
Формируемые компетенции: ОК 1. Понимать сущность и социальную значимость своей будущей профессии, проявлять к ней устойчивый интерес.
ОК 3. Принимать решения в стандартных и нестандартных ситуациях и нести за них ответственность.
ОК 4. Осуществлять поиск и использование информации, необходимой для эффективного выполнения профессиональных задач, профессионального и личностного развития.
ОК 5. Владеть информационной культурой, анализировать и оценивать информацию с использованием информационно-коммуникационных технологий.
ОК 6. Работать в коллективе и команде, эффективно общаться с коллегами, руководством, потребителями.
Тип занятия: систематизация и обобщение знаний.
Межпредметные связи: русский язык, физика, механика, машины, механизмы.
Оборудование занятия: учебник, проектор, компьютер, экран, презентация, раздаточный материал, листы ватмана, фломастеры, магниты.
Формы работы: индивидуальная, групповая, фронтальная
Этапы занятия. Формы работы
Содержание занятия. Возможные методы и приемы выполнения
Основные виды учебной деятельности
УУД, формирующиеся на данном этапе
Деятельность учителя
Деятельность обучающихся
Этап мотивации учебной деятельности
Организационный момент
(2 мин.)
T. Good morning, students! I`m glad to see you. It is really fine day today, isn’t it? How are you today? What about the weather today? Is it fine? Let`s start our lesson.
Учитель приветствует студентов, проверяет их готовность к занятию.
Студенты включаются в иноязычное общение, реагируя на реплики учителя, согласно коммуникативной задаче.
Личностные: адекватная мотивация учебной деятельности; формирование мотивации к изучению иностранного языка; формирование положительного отношения к занятию иностранного языка.
Регулятивные: самооценка готовности к уроку.
Коммуникативные: слушать и реагировать на реплику адекватно речевой ситуации.
Лексико-фонетическая зарядка
(7 мин.)
Electricity, effort, motion, distance, rate, weight, horsepower, watt, kilowatt, force, work wind, water, steam, petroleum, prime mover, windmill, turbine, generator, steam engine, internal combustion engine, electric motor
Учитель предлагает студентам проговаривать слова для развития произносительных навыков.
Студенты проговаривают слова, которые в дальнейшем они смогут использовать в своей речи, работают над произношением. Соотносят графический и звуковой образ английских слов.
Регулятивные: осуществлять самоконтроль правильности произношения.
Познавательные: извлекать необходимую информацию из прослушанного.
Речевое погружение
(7 мин.)
Т . Thank you! Great! Now, students look at the screen, here you can see the car. Let`s try to name the parts of this car and describe them using the model: This is/these are… . N+ is/are made of…
For example: this is a windscreen. The windscreen is made of glass. ( Приложение 1 )
Учитель организует погружение в иноязычную среду, закрепляет навыки употребления знакомых лексических единиц и грамматической модели.
Студенты, используя ранее изученные лексические единицы, описывают автомобиль, называя части автомобиля и материалы, из которых они сделаны.
Коммуникативные: слушать и осознанно воспринимать речь других студентов, осуществлять корректировку неправильных ответов.
Ознакомление с темой занятия, сообщение целей
(2 мин.)
Т . Students, as you know a machine is a device that transmits and changes force or motion into work. A machine can be very simple or very complex. Terms like work, force, and power are closely connected with machines. I think you`ll try to guess what our lesson will be about. Well, what shall we do today? Yes, you`re right, we`ll speak about machines and work. We must give the definitions of the words - work, force, power and connect them with «work» and «machines». Is the topic interesting for you?
Учитель дает возможность студентам самостоятельно определить тему занятия, цели и что для этого необходимо.
Студенты самостоятельно определяют тему и цели занятия с помощью опорной лексики.
Познавательные: уметь адекватно, осознанно и произвольно строить речевое высказывание в устной речи.
Регулятивные: определять цель учебной деятельности с помощью учителя; планировать свои действия для реализации задач.
II .Этап актуализации опорных знаний
Лексическая работа
(10 мин.)
T. 1) To begin with I propose you to divide the following words into three groups, those which describe: 1)basic terms of physics and mechanics; 2)energy sources; 3)mechanisms, machines. ( Приложение 2)
2) The following verbs are often related with basic terms of physics and mechanics. Now, students try to make up word combinations using these verbs: to produce, to transform, to supply, to result in, to exert, to set, to perform, to result from, to measure…in. Model: to transmit motion/force ( Приложение 2)
Учитель активизирует знакомую лексику, корректирует ответы студентов по необходимости.
Студенты самостоятельно выполняют задания, используя ранее изученные лексические единицы. Свои ответы заносят в таблицу. Проверка и коррекция выполненного задания.
Коммуникативные: осознанное построение речевых высказываний, рефлексия.
Регулятивные: исследование условий учебной задачи, обсуждение способов решения.
Познавательные: аргументация своей точки зрения.
Говорение, предугадывание
(4 мин.)
T. Look at the screen, here you can see the terms. The task is to match each one with its correct definition.
(Приложение 3)
Учитель проверяет правильность выполнения задания.
Студенты подбирают к каждому термину соответствующее ему определение.
Логические:
Познавательные: уметь анализировать информацию.
III . Этап самостоятельной работы с самопроверкой по образцу
Смысловоечтение
(14 мин.)
T. Well done. Let`s continue our lesson. Read the text “Machines and work”, try to focus on its essential facts, and choose the most suitable heading below for each paragraph: 1) Prime movers 2) Definition of “machine” 3) The relationship between «work» and «force» 4) Power and its measures.
You also should find the definitions of basic terms connected with «machines» and «work». Text A is on page 192 .
Учитель информирует обучающихся об алгоритме работы над чтением.
Студенты читают текст с пониманием основного содержания, подбирают заголовки к абзацам и находят определения основным понятиям, связанными с «работой» и «машинами».
Логические: развивать умения сосредоточить внимание, догадку и логику.
Регулятивные: совершенствовать навыки смыслового чтения, используя лексику урока.
Познавательные: развивать смысловое чтение; осуществлять поиск и выделение необходимой информации; уметь структурировать знания.
Самопроверка и самооценка
(5 мин.)
T. Time is running. Let`s check your tasks.
Учитель контролирует, как студенты аргументируют свою точку зрения, корректирует их ответы.
Студенты обсуждают прочитанный текст, дают определения основным понятиям, связанными с «работой» и «машинами».
Регулятивные: уметь правильно оценивать результаты своей работы и одногруппников.
Коммуникативные: уметь слушать друг друга для восприятия необходимых сведений и поддерживания беседы.
Говорение. Работа в группах
(12 мин.)
T. Well, let`s go on. Now, students, we`ll have a group work. I will give you some questions about the text and you should answer them. ( Приложение 4)
Учитель делит студентов на две группы и дает вопросы для обсуждения.
Студенты делятся на две группы и вытягивают вопросы по прочитанному тексту. Обсуждают вопросы и ответы на них. Используют готовые речевые материалы для оформления ответов.
Коммуникативные: участвовать в работе группы, осуществлять взаимоконтроль и взаимопомощь; проявлять активность во взаимодействии для решения общих задач.
Познавательные: уметь сопоставлять и отбирать информацию из текста, осознанно строить речевое высказывание в устной форме.
Личностные: формировать навыки сотрудничества, проявлять инициативу.
IV. Этап построения проекта
Чтение с целью извлечения специальной информации (работа в группах)
(15 мин.)
T. Students, your task is to give a short report about «Machine, Work, Power».
Учитель ставит задачу перед группами приготовить сообщение «Машина, работа, сила» с использованием активного словаря, который был составлен во время лексической работы на этапе актуализации опорных знаний. Учитель предлагает студентам лист ватмана для оформления своего сообщения.
Студенты составляют ментальную карту, используя информацию из текста и таблицу (Приложение 2), распределяют, кто и о чем будет говорить.
Коммуникативные: участие в работе группы: распределение обязанностей, планирование своей части работы, осуществление взаимоконтроля, взаимопомощь; оформление своих мыслей с учетом учебной задачи.
Познавательные: умение анализировать, группировать факты, строить логические рассуждения; умение выделять главные факты, опуская второстепенные.
Личностные: проявлять инициативу и самостоятельность, стремиться к совершенствованию собственной речевой культуры.
Регулятивные: принимать и сохранять учебную задачу, сравнивать результаты соей работы с результатами других.
V . Этап проверки реализации построенного проекта
Проверка проекта
(8 мин.)
T. So, it`s time to begin to represent your projects.
Учитель определяет уровень усвоения необходимых знаний.
Студенты рассказывают об основных понятиях физики и механики, механизмах и источниках энергии и показывают их взаимосвязь с машинами и работой. Свои сообщения сопровождают демонстрацией проекта на листе ватмана (Mind Map).
Познавательные: умение осознанно строить речевое высказывание в устной форме, совершенствовать речевые навыки.
Коммуникативные: формировать собственное мнение и позицию; аргументировать свою точку зрения; участвовать в работе группы.
IV . Этап рефлексии учебной деятельности на занятии
Подведение итогов работы
(1,5 мин.)
T. Now we come to the end of the lesson. Do you remember the topic? What did we study today? What was new for you? Let’s review the new vocabularies in chain.
Учитель задает вопросы. Выставляет оценки за занятие, комментирует, мотивирует на дальнейшую успешную работу.
Студенты отвечают на вопросы учителя и высказывают свое мнение.
Регулятивные: умение контролировать свою деятельность по результатам, умение адекватно понимать оценку учителя, одногруппников.
Личностные: умение оценивать свою деятельность; проявлять стремление к совершенствованию собственной речевой культуры в целом.
Рефлексия
(1,5 мин.)
T. Do you like our lesson? Are you in a good mood at the end of the lesson? Do you like your work today?
Учитель приглашает студентов высказать свое мнение об уроке.
Студенты строят высказывания, выражающие мнение, отвечают на вопросы на учителя. Осваивают формы личностной рефлексии. (Приложение5)
Домашнеезадание
(1 мин.)
T. Your homework is the ex.26, p.203. You should fill the table.
Учитель объясняет, что надо сделать в процессе домашнего задания.
Студенты записывают домашнее задание.
Выводы
Занятие английского языка на III курсе по теме «Machines and Work» (Машины и работа) является занятием систематизации и обобщения знаний по данной теме.
На этапе организационного момента учитель создает общий положительный настрой на предстоящее занятие, помогает обучающимся организовать собственное учебное пространство. На данном занятии реализуются принципы личностно-ориентированного, развивающего обучения, осуществляется самооценка и взаимооценка обучающимися. Деятельность учителя в большей степени представлена в виде организации работы и помощи обучающимся в различных учебных ситуациях.
На основных этапах занятия используется системно-деятельностный и коммуникативный подходы. При подведении итогов и рефлексии предусмотрено обсуждение деятельности студентов на уроке, само- и взаимооценивание результатов работы, посредством чего обучающиеся овладевают навыками анализа, оценки своей работы и других, умением участвовать в диалоге, уважительно высказываться о деятельности других.
В ходе занятия (наряду с учебными) решались и жизненно-практические задачи, использовался жизненный опыт обучающихся с целью развития их познавательной активности, самостоятельности.
Список использованной литературы
Бгашев В.Н., Долматовская Е.Ю. Английский язык для студентов машиностроительных специальностей. М.: Астрель АСТ, 2013. 381 с.
Дубинина В.Г . Personality (Личность)//Английский язык. Все для учителя. 2014. №1. С.14-20.
Интернет-ресурсы - Википедия. свободная энциклопедия.
Чернухина А.Е. Англо-русский технический словарь. М.:ОНИКС, 1997. 1026 с.
Приложение 1
Let`s try to name the parts of this car and describe them using the model: This is/these are… . N+ is/are made of…
For example: this is a windscreen. The windscreen is made of glass
Bonnet – капот
Wing mirror – боковое зеркало
Windscreen – лобовое стекло
Rear-view mirror – зеркало заднего вида
Windscreen wiper – «дворник»
Door – дверь
Boot – багажник
Tyre – шина
Wheel – колесо
Headlight – фара
Bumper – бампер
Licence plate – номерной знак
Indicator – указатель поворота
Приложение 2
1) Divide the following words into three groups, those which describe: 1)basic terms of physics and mechanics; 2)energy sources;
3)mechanisms, machines:
Electricity, effort, motion, distance, rate, weight, horsepower, watt, kilowatt, force, work wind, water, steam,
petroleum, prime mover, windmill, turbine, generator, steam engine, internal combustion engine, electric motor
2) The following verbs are often related with basic terms of physics and mechanics. Try to make up word combinations using these verbs: to produce, to transform, to supply, to result in, to exert, to set, to perform, to result from, to measure…in. Model: to transmit motion/force.
Active vocabulary
application
Nouns and combinations with the nouns
Verb combinations
1. Basic terms of physics and mechanics
electricity
effort
motion
distance
rate
weight
horsepower
watt
kilowatt
force
work
to produce electricity
to exert effort
to set in motion
to result in motion
to hold up the weight
to exert force
to produce work
to perform work
to result from
2. Energy sources
wind
water
steam
petroleum
3. Mechanisms and machines
Prime mover
windmill
turbine
generator
steam engine
internal combustion engine
electric motor
Приложение 3
Match the term with its correct definition:
Machine
the rate at which work is performed.
Prime mover
a device that uses force to accomplish something.
Force
an effort that results in motion or physical change.
Work
a machine whose input is natural source of energy.
Power
a combination of the force and the distance through which it is exerted.
Приложение 4
Questions for the first group:
What is a simple definition of a machine? What is more technical
definition? What does this definition imply?
Describe some very simple machines. Name some complex machines.
What do we call machines whose is a natural source of energy? What natural
sources of energy do you know and what machines use them?
Why aren`t electric motors prime movers?
Questions for the second group:
What is force? Give some examples of force.
What is work? How can work be expressed mathematically?
Give an example.
What is power?
How is the rate of doing work usually given in the English-
Speaking countries? Why was the term invented?
In what terms is power measured in the metric system?
Приложение 5
Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website!
Simple machines are extremely important to everyday life. They make stuff that is normally difficult a piece of cake. There are several types of simple machines. The first simple machine is a lever. A lever consists of a fulcrum, load, and effort force. A fulcrum is the support. The placing of the fulcrum changes the amount of force and distance it will take in order to move an object. The load is the applied force. The effort force is the force applied on the opposite side of the load. Levers can be placed in three classes. The 1st class levers are objects like pliers where the fulcrum is at the center of the lever. The 2nd class of levers are objects that have the fulcrum on the opposite side of the applied force like a nutcracker. The 3rd and final class is objects like crab claws. These objects of the load at one end and the fulcrum on the other.
An inclined plane is another simple machine. Inclined planes are also known as ramps. Ramps make a trade off between distance and force. No matter how steep the ramp, the work is still the same. A winding road on a mountain side is a good example of a ramp. Some simple machines are modified inclined planes. The wedge is one of those machines. One or two inclined planes make up a wedge. Saws, knives,needles, and axes are made from wedges. The screw is another modified inclined plane. Screws decrease the force but increase the distance. The ridges are called threads. A couple of simple machines are made with wheels. The wheel and axle is one of these machines.
These are made with a rod joined to the center of a wheel. They can either increase distance or force, depending on the size of the wheel. The pulley is another machine that uses wheels. The are a wheel with a groove in the center with a rope or chain stretched around it. The load attaches to one end and the effort is applied to the other on all pulleys. There are two types of pulleys. The fixed pulley stays in one place while the wheel spins. Movable pulleys attach to objects. Several pulleys can be used at one time. A good example of a pulley system is an escalator. Simple machines make up compound machines. We use these machines daily. Life would be difficult without simple machines.
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Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Students are introduced to the six types of simple machines - the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley - in the context of the construction of a pyramid, gaining high-level insights into tools that have been used since ancient times and are still in use today. In two hands-on activities, students begin their own pyramid design by performing materials calculations, and evaluating and selecting a construction site. The six simple machines are examined in more depth in subsequent lessons in this unit. This engineering curriculum meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).Engineering Connection
Why do engineers care about simple machines? How do such devices help engineers improve society? Simple machines are important and common in our world today in the form of everyday devices (crowbars, wheelbarrows, highway ramps, etc.) that individuals, and especially engineers, use on a daily basis. The same physical principles and mechanical advantages of simple machines used by ancient engineers to build pyramids are employed by today"s engineers to construct modern structures such as houses, bridges and skyscrapers. Simple machines give engineers added tools for solving everyday challenges.
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Understand what a simple machine is and how it would help an engineer to build something.
- Identify six types of simple machines.
- Understand how the same physical principles used by engineers today to build skyscrapers were employed in ancient times by engineers to build pyramids.
- Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to creating a simple lever machine based on how well each met the constraints of the challenge.
More Curriculum Like This
Levers That Lift
Students are introduced to three of the six simple machines used by many engineers: lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle. In general, engineers use the lever to magnify the force applied to an object, the pulley to lift heavy loads over a vertical path, and the wheel-and-axle to magnify the torque appl...
Slide Right on by Using an Inclined Plane
Students explore building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called an inclined plane. They also learn about another simple machine, the screw, and how it is used as a lifting or fastening device.
Splash, Pop, Fizz: Rube Goldberg Machines
Refreshed with an understanding of the six simple machines; screw, wedge, pully, incline plane, wheel and axle, and lever, student groups receive materials and an allotted amount of time to act as mechanical engineers to design and create machines that can complete specified tasks.
Pyramid Building: How to Use a Wedge
Students learn how simple machines, including wedges, were used in building both ancient pyramids and present-day skyscrapers. In a hands-on activity, students test a variety of wedges on different materials (wax, soap, clay, foam).
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
Introduction/Motivation
How did the Egyptians build the Great Pyramids thousands of years ago (~2,500 BCE)? Could you build a pyramid using 9,000-kilogram (~10-ton or 20,000-lb) blocks of stone with your bare hands? That"s like trying to move a large elephant with your bare hands! How many people might it take to move a block that big? It would still be a challenge to build a pyramid today even with modern tools, such as jackhammers, cranes, trucks and bulldozers. But without these modern tools, how did Egyptian workers cut, shape, transport and place enormous stones? Well, one key to accomplishing this amazing and difficult task was the use of simple machines.
Simple machines are devices with no, or very few, moving parts that make work easier. Many of today"s complex tools are really just more complicated forms of the six simple machines. By using simple machines, ordinary people can split huge rocks, hoist large stones, and move blocks over great distances.
However, it took more than just simple machines to build the pyramids. It also took tremendous planning and a great design . Planning, designing, working as a team and using tools to create something, or to get a job done, is what engineering is all about. Engineers use their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills to accomplish some amazing feats to solve real-world challenges. People call on engineers to use their understanding of how things work to do seemingly impossible jobs and make everyday activities easier. It is surprising how many times engineers turn to simple machines to solve these problems.
Once we understand simple machines, you will recognize them in many common activities and everyday items. (Hand out .) These are the six simple machines: wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw , and pulley . Now that you see the pictures, do you recognize some of these simple machines? Can you see any of these simple machines around the classroom? How do they work? Well, an important vocabulary term when learning about simple machines is mechanical advantage . Mechanical advantage of simple machines means we can use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance. A good example is pushing a heavy object up a ramp. It may be easier to push the object up a ramp instead of just lifting it up to the right height, but it takes a longer distance. A ramp is an example of the simple machine called an inclined plane . We are going to learn a lot more about each of these six simple machines that are a simple solution to helping engineers, and all humans, do hard work.
Sometimes it is difficult to recognize simple machines in our lives because they look different than the examples we see at school. To make our study of simple machines easier, let"s imagine that we are living in ancient Egypt and that the leader of the country has hired us as engineers to build a pyramid. Today"s availability of electricity and technologically-advanced machines make it difficult for us to see what the simple machine is accomplishing. But in the context of ancient Egypt, the simple machines that we will study are the much more basic tools of the time. After we develop an understanding of simple machines, we will shift our context to building a skyscraper in the present day, so we can compare and contrast how simple machines were used across the centuries and are still used today.
Lesson Background and Concepts for Teachers
Use the attached Introduction to Simple Machines PowerPoint presentation and Simple Machines Reference Sheet as helpful classroom tools. (Show the PowerPoint presentation, or print out the slides to use with an overhead projector. The presentation is animated to promote an inquiry-based style; each click reveals a new point about each machine; have students suggest characteristics and examples before you reveal them.)
Simple machines are everywhere; we use them everyday to perform simple tasks. Simple machines have also been in use since the early days of human existence. While simple machines take many shapes, they come in six basic types:
- Wedge : A device that forces things apart.
- Wheel and axle : Used to reduce friction.
- Lever : Moves around a pivot point to increase or decrease mechanical advantage.
- Inclined plane : Raises objects by moving up a slope.
- Screw : A device that can lift or hold things together.
- Pulley : Changes the direction of a force.
We use simple machines because they make work easier. The scientific definition of work is the amount of force that is applied to an object multiplied by the distance the object is moved. Thus, work consists of force and distance. Each job takes a specific amount of work to finish it, and this number does not change. Thus, the force times the distance always equals the same amount of work. This means that if you move something a smaller distance you need to exert a greater force. On the other hand, if you want to exert less force, you need to move it over a greater distance. This is the force and distance trade off, or mechanical advantage , which is common to all simple machines. With mechanical advantage, the longer a job takes, the less force you need to use throughout the job. Most of the time, we feel that a task is hard because it requires us to use a lot of force. Therefore, using the trade off between distance and force can make our task much easier to complete.
The wedge is a simple machine that forces objects or substances apart by applying force to a large surface area on the wedge, with that force magnified to a smaller area on the wedge to do the actual work. A nail is a common wedge with a wide nail head area where the force is applied, and a small point area where the concentrated force is exerted. The force is magnified at the point, enabling the nail to pierce wood. As the nail sinks into the wood, the wedge shape at the point of the nail moves forward, and forces the wood apart.
Figure 1: An axe is an example of a wedge.
Everyday examples of wedges include an axe (see Figure 1), nail, doorstop, chisel, saw, jackhammer, zipper, bulldozer, snow plow, horse plow, zipper, airplane wing, knife, fork and bow of a boat or ship.
The wheel and axle is a simple machine that reduces the friction involved in moving an object, making the object easier to transport. When an object is pushed, the force of friction must be overcome to start it moving. Once the object is moving, the force of friction opposes the force exerted on the object. The wheel and axle makes this easier by reducing the friction involved in moving an object. The wheel rotates around an axle (essentially a rod that goes through the wheel, letting the wheel turn), rolling over the surface and minimizing friction. Imagine trying to push a 9,000-kilogram (~10-ton) block of stone. Wouldn"t it be easier to roll it along using logs placed underneath the stone?
Everyday examples of the wheel and axle include a car, bicycle, office chair, wheel barrow, shopping cart, hand truck and roller skates.
A lever simple machine consists of a load, a fulcrum and effort (or force). The load is the object that is moved or lifted. The fulcrum is the pivot point, and the effort is the force required to lift or move the load. By exerting a force on one end of the lever (the applied force), a force at the other end of the lever is created. The applied force is either increased or decreased, depending on the distance from the fulcrum (the point or support on which a lever pivots) to the load, and from the fulcrum to the effort.
Figure 2: A crowbar is an example of a lever.
Copyright © 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved. With notations by the ITL Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005.
Everyday examples of levers include a teeter-totter or see-saw, crane arm, crow bar, hammer (using the claw end), fishing pole and bottle opener. Think of a how you use a crowbar (see Figure 2). By pushing down on the long end of the crowbar, a force is created at the load end over a smaller distance, once again, demonstrating the tradeoff between force and distance.
Inclined planes make it easier to lift something. Think of a ramp. Engineers use ramps to easily move objects to a greater height. There are two ways to raise an object: by lifting it straight up, or by pushing it diagonally up. Lifting an object straight up moves it over the shortest distance, but you must exert a greater force. On the other hand, using an inclined plane requires a smaller force, but you must exert it over a longer distance.
Everyday examples of inclined planes include highway access ramps, sidewalk ramps, stairs, inclined conveyor belts, and switchback roads or trails.
Figure 3: A car jack is an example of a screw-type simple machine that enables one person to lift up the side of a car.
A screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a shaft. Screws have two primary functions: they hold things together, or they lift objects. A screw is good for holding things together because of the threading around the shaft. The threads grip the surrounding material like teeth, resulting in a secure hold; the only way to remove a screw is to unwind it. A car jack is an example of a screw being used to lift something (see Figure 3).
Everyday examples of screws include a screw, bolt, clamp, jar lid, car jack, spinning stool and spiral staircase.
Figure 4: A pulley on a ship helps people pull in a heavy fishing net.
A pulley is a simple machine used to change the direction of a force. Think of raising a flag or lifting a heavy stone. To lift a stone up into its place on a pyramid, one would have to exert a force that pulls it up. By using a pulley made from a grooved wheel and rope, one can pull down on the rope, capitalizing on the force of gravity, to lift the stone up . Even more valuable, a system of several pulleys can be used together to reduce the force needed to lift an object.
Everyday examples of pulleys in use include flag poles, elevators, sails, fishing nets (see Figure 4), clothes lines, cranes, window shades and blinds, and rock climbing gear.
Compound Machines
A compound machine is a device that combines two or more simple machines. For example, a wheelbarrow combines the use of a wheel and axle with a lever. Using the six basic simple machines, all sorts of compound machines can be made. There are many simple and compound machines in your home and classroom. Some examples of the compound machines you may find are a can opener (wedge and lever), exercise machines/cranes/tow trucks (levers and pulleys), shovel (lever and wedge), car jack (lever and screw), wheel barrow (wheel and axle and lever) and bicycle (wheel and axle and pulley).
Vocabulary/Definitions
Design: (verb) To plan out in systematic, often graphic form. To create for a particular purpose or effect. Design a building. (noun) A well thought-out plan.
Engineering: Applying scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems.
Force: A push or pull on an object.
Inclined plane: A simple machine that raises an object to greater height. Usually a straight slanted surface and no moving parts, such as a ramp, sloping road or stairs.
Lever: A simple machine that increases or decreases the force to lift something. Usually a bar pivoted on a fixed point (fulcrum) to which force is applied to do work.
Mechanical advantage: An advantage gained by using simple machines to accomplish work with less effort. Making the task easier (which means it requires less force), but may require more time or room to work (more distance, rope, etc.). For example, applying a smaller force over a longer distance to achieve the same effect as applying a large force over a small distance. The ratio of the output force exerted by a machine to the input force applied to it.
Pulley: A simple machine that changes the direction of a force, often to lift a load. Usually consists of a grooved wheel in which a pulled rope or chain runs.
Pyramid: A massive structure of ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica used for a crypt or tomb. The typical shape is a square or rectangular base at the ground with sides (faces) in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top. Mesoamerican temples have stepped sides and a flat top surmounted by chambers.
Screw: A simple machine that lifts or holds materials together. Often a cylindrical rod incised with a spiral thread.
Simple machine: A machine with few or no moving parts that is used to make work easier (provides a mechanical advantage). For example, a wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, or pulley.
Spiral: A curve that winds around a fixed center point (or axis) at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from that point.
Tool: A device used to do work.
Wedge: A simple machine that forces materials apart. Used for splitting, tightening, securing or levering. It is thick at one end and tapered to a thin edge at the other.
Wheel and axle: A simple machine that reduces the friction of moving by rolling. A wheel is a disk designed to turn around an axle passed through the center of the wheel. An axle is a supporting cylinder on which a wheel or a set of wheels revolves.
Work: Force on an object multiplied by the distance it moves. W = F x d (force multiplied by distance).
Associated Activities
- Stack It Up! - Students analyze and begin to design a pyramid. They perform calculations to determine the area of their pyramid base, stone block volumes, the number of blocks required for their pyramid base, and make a scaled drawing of a pyramid on graph paper.
- Choosing a Pyramid Site - Working in engineering project teams, students choose a site for the construction of a pyramid. They base their decision on site features as provided by a surveyor"s report; distance from the quarry, river and palace; and other factors they deem important to the project.
Lesson Closure
Today, we have discussed six simple machines. Who can name them for me? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.) How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.) Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.) Tonight, at home, think about everyday examples of the six simple machines. See how many you can find around your house!
Complete the KWL Assessment Chart (see the Assessment section). Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz. As an extension, use the attached . Review the information and answer any questions. Suggest the students keep the sheet handy in their desks, folders or journals.
Lesson Summary Assessment
Closing Discussion: Conduct an informal class discussion, asking the students what they learned from the activities. Ask the students:
- Who can name the different types of simple machines? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.)
- How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.)
- Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.)
Remind students that engineers consider many factors when they plan, design and create something. Ask the students:
- What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when designing a new structure? (Possible answers: Size and shape (design) of the structure, available construction materials, calculation of materials needed, comparing materials and costs, making drawings, etc.)
- What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when choosing a site to build a new structure? (Possible answers: Site physical characteristics , distance to construction resources , suitability for the structure"s purpose .)
KWL Chart (Conclusion): As a class, finish column L of the KWL Chart as described in the Pre-Lesson Assessment section. List all of the things they learned about simple machines. Were all of the W questions answered? What new things did they learn?
Take-Home Quiz: Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz.
Lesson Extension Activities
Use the attached Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt! Worksheet to conduct a fun scavenger hunt. Have the students find examples of all the simple machines used in the classroom and their homes.
Bring in everyday examples of simple machines and demonstrate how they work.
Illustrate the power of simple machines by asking students to do a task without using a simple machine, and then with one. For example, create a lever demonstration by hammering a nail into a piece of wood. Have students try to pull the nail out, first using only their hands
Bring in a variety of everyday examples of simple machines. Hand out one out to each student and have them think about what type of simple machine it is. Next, have students place the items into categories by simple machines and explain why they chose to place their item there. Ask students what life would be like without this item. Emphasize that simple machines make our life easier.
See the Edheads website for an interactive game on simple machines: http://edheads.org.
Engineering Design Fun with Levers: Give each pair of students a paint stirrer, 3 small plastic cups, a piece of duct tape and a wooden block or spool (or anything similar). Challenge the students to design a simple machine lever that will throw a ping pong ball (or any other type of small ball) as high as possible. In the re-design phase, allow the students to request materials to add on to their design. Have a small competition to see which group was able to send the ping pong ball flying high. Discuss with the class why that particular design was successful versus other variations seen during the competition.
Additional Multimedia Support
See http://edheads.org for a good simple machines website with curricular materials including educational games and activities.
References
Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Accessed January 11, 2006. (Source of some vocabulary definitions, with some adaptation) http://www.dictionary.com
Simple Machines. inQuiry Almanack, The Franklin Institute Online, Unisys and Drexel eLearning. Accessed January 11, 2006. http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html
Contributors
Greg Ramsey; Glen Sirakavit; Lawrence E. Carlson; Jacquelyn Sullivan; Malinda Schaefer Zarske; Denise Carlson, with design input from the students in the spring 2005 K-12 Engineering Outreach Corps courseCopyright
© 2005 by Regents of the University of Colorado.Supporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderAcknowledgements
The contents of these digital library curricula were developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: February 11, 2019
Topic: Simple Machines PSSA: 3.4.7.C / S8.C.3.1
Objective: TLW compare different types of simple machines. TLW compare different types of simple machines. TLW explain the difference between a simple machine and a compound machine. TLW explain the difference between a simple machine and a compound machine.
MI #1: Levers A lever is a simple machine that has a bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. A lever is a simple machine that has a bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. Levers are classified based on the location of the input force, load, and the fulcrum. Levers are classified based on the location of the input force, load, and the fulcrum.
MI #2: Classes of Levers First class levers have the fulcrum between the input force and the load. First class levers have the fulcrum between the input force and the load. - Includes see-saws Second class levers have the load between the input force and the fulcrum. Second class levers have the load between the input force and the fulcrum. - Includes wheelbarrows Third class levers have the input force between the load and the fulcrum. Third class levers have the input force between the load and the fulcrum. - Includes hammers and fishing poles
Mi #3: Pulleys A pulley is a simple machine that has a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a chain. A pulley is a simple machine that has a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a chain. There are three types of pulleys; fixed, movable, and block and tackle. There are three types of pulleys; fixed, movable, and block and tackle.
MI #4: Wheel and Axle A wheel and axle consists of two circular objects of different sizes that rotate on the same axis. A wheel and axle consists of two circular objects of different sizes that rotate on the same axis. The axle rotates a smaller distance than the wheel, which results in a greater output force. The axle rotates a smaller distance than the wheel, which results in a greater output force.
MI #5: Inclined Planes An inclined plane is a straight slanted surface. An inclined plane is a straight slanted surface. A wedge is a pair of inclined planes that move. A wedge is a pair of inclined planes that move. A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
MI #6: Compound Machines A compound machine is a machine that is made of two or more simple machines working together. A compound machine is a machine that is made of two or more simple machines working together. Because compound machines have more moving parts, their mechanical efficiency is typically low. Because compound machines have more moving parts, their mechanical efficiency is typically low.
So What…? Real Life Application Machines make work easier, so it is important to understand the different types of simple machines. Machines make work easier, so it is important to understand the different types of simple machines.
