SIMPLE MACHINES! 

A Layered Curriculum Unit 
 

How it Works!

Your job is to pick 70 points worth of “C” level assignments, and, if you choose to, one “B” level, and one “A” level assignment.  You must complete the “C” level, but the “B” and “A” levels are optional.   Basically, you decide what grade you are going to earn! 

Each “C” level assignment will be graded by oral defence, which means you earn points not for “doing” the assignment, but for explaining what you have learned!  The first thing you need to do is put a mark beside the assignments you are interested in, then take this sheet home and have it signed. 

Learning Objectives

Students will…

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how Simple Machines work.
2. Demonstrate knowledge about how various forces can affect the movement of objects
3. Demonstrate the mechanical advantage of simple machines
4. Design a compound machine.
5. Describe the applications of simple and compound machines in daily life.
6. Analyse the reasons why people had sudden bursts of invention in history.

DUE DATE: Friday, 27^th January  2006 
 
 

“C” Level – 70 points required for everyone 

• Look at a room in your house and categorise the machines that you would find in it. 20 pts.
• Make and learn vocabulary flashcards for each of the types of simple machine.  Include a definition, a picture and a short list of examples of that machine.  20 pts.
• Make a flick book that shows how gravity works. 20 pts
• Make a PowerPoint presentation about how animals use tools. 20 pts
• Make a marble run that includes three different simple machines. 20 pts
• Write and perform a song/rap that has an informative mechanical theme. 20 pts
• Research and report briefly on how artificial body parts are used, and describe their limitations.  20 pts
• Make a model that demonstrates how friction affects a moving object. 20pts
• Make a pop up card demonstrating a simple machine. 10 pts
• In one descriptive paragraph, explain the importance of the Industrial Revolution. 10 pts.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about the machines that may have been used to build the pyramids in Egypt. 20 pts.

 

“B” Level – All assignments are worth 15 points  

• Make and illustrate a timeline of important mechanical inventions in history.
• Look at two groups of aboriginal people (Inuit, Australian aborigine, First Nations). Make a list of the traditional tools each group of people created and used.  Describe at least two ways that each tool changed the lives of the people who created them.
• Work in a group or individually to develop a cartoon strip, short skit, or mural about the inventions of Galileo Galilei, Sir Isaac Newton or Leonardo da Vinci. (Discuss with teacher first.)
• Make a model to demonstrate how different pulley systems minimise the force needed to lift an object

 

“A” Level – All assignments are worth 15 points  

• Research and write about the Luddites. Do you think that there are any modern-day Luddites now? Explain your ideas.
• Make a model of a working playground and label the different machines that are present.
• Write an illustrated short story about how machines may be used in the future. Make direct reference to how present day technology and machines might evolve.
• “Throughout history, the people in temperate zones have made significantly more important inventions than those in warmer climates.” Discuss this statement and decide if you agree with it or not. Give examples and details to justify your views.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Teacher Evaluation 

 
 

Self Evaluation 

From which assignment did you learn the most? Explain. 
 
 
 
 

What was your favourite assignment? Explain. 
 
 
 
 

Which assignment did you find the most difficult? 
 
 
 
 

What would you do differently next time? 
 
 
 
 
 

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      Student Signature         Parent Signature