Engineering: Simple Machines

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Author:

Denise Carlson, Glen Sirakavit, Greg Ramsey, Jacquelyn Sullivan, Lawrence E. Carlson, Malinda Schaefer Zarske, with design input from the students in the spring 2005 K-12 Engineering Outreach Corps course

Subject:

Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology

Institution Name:

University of Colorado at Boulder

Collection:

TeachEngineering

Grade Level:

Primary

Abstract:

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.

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Activities and Labs, Lesson Plans

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Conditions of Use:

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Resources may be used on a nonprofit, non-commercial basis by educators, without any fee or cost to access, link to and use, or in any manner alter, revise, copy, edit, translate or digitize.

Copyright Holder:

College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder