Science of Simple Machines

Simple machines is a course that helps students explore the functions of the inclined plane, screw, lever, wedge, wheel & axle, and pulley through a variety of activities. Students will discover the innovations people used to make their lives easier, in a time before the development of modern technologies. They will also explore compound or complex machines that utilize multiple simple machines to make work easier. Students will learn about the concepts and formulas for calculating work, power and mechanical advantage of various simple machines and determine which simple machine is most effective for doing the work. Students learn this content through direct instruction, cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, hands-on learning, readings of the books and scientific articles, sketching, differentiated strategies, student presentation and exhibitions, lab activities, and writing development of language arts skills through written reports, lab reports, and reflections on students’ work. Their final projects give an opportunity to go more in-depth into individual topics of interest. Students then present these final projects to the larger school community at the conclusion of the cycle.