Simple Machines

FM5.2 Investigate characteristics of simple machines, including levers, wheels and axles, pulleys, inclined planes, screws, and wedges, for moving and lifting loads. 

·       I can differentiate the description and use of a wedge and an inclined plane.

·       I can explain how wedges and ramps reduce the effort needed to perform a task.

·       I can choose the correct simple machine to lessen my work load in different situations.

·       Set – before

·       Definitions of three vocabulary words.

·       Exit Cards – end

 ·       Instructions before handing anything out.

·       Emphasize taking a minute before deciding on answers.

·       ICQ’s

·       Clear and Direct

Set (4 min)

 ·       Show some pictures that are provided on power point.

Axe, door stop, slide
loading ramp, skateboard ramp, nail

·       I saw these items in the past week.

·       Has anyone else seen these?

·       What is each item?

·       Do they have a purpose?

·       Do they help us?

·       What other items are created to help us in everyday life?

If time – use push pin as an example – What about this?  A push pin?  Could it be considered a simple machine?  Does it help us use less effort when we use it?  Well let’s talk a bit about Simple Machines.

 Development (17 min)

·       Write the 3 vocabulary words on the board:  Simple Machines (just to link that these are categories of simple machines, Wedges, and Inclined Planes (ramps). – Keep separated so we can post definition underneath it.

·       Explain the purpose of the popsicle sticks – different colours have different categories listed.

·       Hand out bag of popsicle sticks to each student that have already been labelled.

·       “I am going to read you some definitions and you are going to decide which word it is defining.   Okay, let’s start…”

·       Read first Definition: “A flat surface (or plane) that is slanted, or inclined, so it can help move objects across distances.” – Inclined Plane Take a second to think about this and picture it in your head if you want.  Now, raise the colour of stick you think it is. I see Red, purple, blue, etc.. Can anyone explain why they decided.  Hopefully they get this then move on.  If not put it as wrong one and come back

·       Read the second definition:  “Piece of material that needs force to separate or hold two things together.” – Wedge.  Same process.  Ask the students to take a minute think about the definition and raise the colour.

·       Repeat the same process with last definition, “Devices that can make a tough job easier so the person has to apply less force or to apply force in a direction that is easier.”  – Simple Machine

·       Explain next part.  “Now that we know the definitions of our two simple machines, we are going to categorize some items.  Each group will take their neon green Bristol board and divide it into 2 halves – one being Inclined Plane and one being wedges.  I have a bag full of pictures and words that as a group you must decide if they should be under ‘Wedges’ or ‘Inclined Planes’.  Now show students to look at the Yellow stick, it should have a number on it – that’s what group you will be in.  Group 1 in the hall, group 2 front corner, etc.. Warn them that some may be trick questions but to try their best

·       Have books as references if they need it.

 ·       Give groups approximately 10 minutes.  During this time – guide students to using the books and definitions they already know to answer the questions they have.

·       Reconvene and see how similar the poster boards are – go through each item and see what category it should be under (can use sticks again).  If time, do a group answer on the board.

·       If no time quickly review which should be under each category and why.

 Closure ( 4 min)

Go back to the original pictures – Lift your green Popsicle stick if you think that it is a wedge.  Lift your blue marker if you think it is an inclined plane

Back to Push Pin:

·       What does this push pin do?  With the person beside you – think of its purpose.
Think-Pair-Share

Cue questions:
Does it separate things? Does it help to move something?  No, it holds things together – so what does that make it?  A wedge!

Exit card – Write one interesting thing you learned about Inclined Planes or Wedges today.