In this WebQuest you will:
- explore the different kinds of simple machines
- locate examples of each simple machine in the real world
- demonstrate basic relationships between force and motion
- use vocabulary words related to this topic to answer and ask questions
and
- use simple machines to solve a problem.
1. Using the following
links/resources, some students will create a picture book for the vocabulary
words below. Each picture book page will include a definition (explanation
of the word), image (drawing, clipart...) that shows or describes
the word, and a real life example. Links/Resources
3.Rube
Goldberg's Inventions have become synonymous with maximum effort
to achieve minimal results. Go to Rube Goldberg's Inventions and choose one of the ten inventions listed. Identify
at least 5 simple machines used in that invention.
Click on Leonardo's
Mysterious Machinery and look at the eight machines. Identify at least 2 simple machines in each invention. Figure
out what the machine actually does from the choices given. To learn
more about Leonardo click on Inventor's
Workshop.
4. Now
it's your turn to be an inventor!
1. Create a mousetrap that has at least 5 steps
2. Include 3 to 4 different simple machines that will trap
(not hurt) a mouse
(extra credit will be given to those that can use more).
3. The mousetrap must be built of materials and supplies that you find here at school (you will need such things as masking tape,
duct tape, string, screws, nails, wood ramps, marbles, cups, dominos,
hammer, pulleys...) (cheese & mice do not need to be purchased) DO NOT use flames or blades in your
mousetrap.
The "mouse" must be trapped "alive": no bashing,
smashing, or mutilating.
*Reminder - your mousetrap should work like
a chain reaction. The mouse sets your mousetrap in motion and catches
the mouse without the mouse having to move. Go to Rube
Goldberg Invention for examples
STEP #1
- Blueprint
On a sheet of paper 11 x 17.
1. Draw the mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap
3. List the steps of the trapping process - minimum of 5 (numbered)
4. List the materials you used
to make your mousetrap.
Drawing
of mousetrap
(label all simple machines)
Process minimum of 5 steps
1
2
3
4
5
Student Name........... . .Materials
1
2
3
4
Step #2 - Build your mousetrap
STEP #3
- Presentation (see Mousetrap Presentation Rubric)
1. identify all the simple machines in your mousetrap
2. describe each step of the mousetrap process
3. demonstrate the mousetrap
Extra Credit: (begin only when
all other assignments are completed) 1. Do you know any
inventors who used simple machines to help make our lives easier?
Locate an inventor who has done this. ( use Famous
Scientists as a search tool to find an inventor ) Write
a paragraph explaining the invention and how simple machines are
used in the invention - include a drawing or photograph of the
invention or inventor. Include a second paragraph with information
about the inventor (1 page).
2.
Create your own Rube
Goldberg Invention that follows the idea of maximum effort
to achieve minimal results
