How Machines Work

Simple Machines, Work, Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency

Grade 8

This project was developed as part of the Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Grant’s

Capital Region Collaboration for Technology Education 2002

This graphic is from http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html.

Created by Judy Kubik

Mail to: mrsjkubik@yahoo.com

Cohoes Catholic School/ Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany

Introduction

This list focuses on Physical Science for Eighth Graders. Specifically, taking simple machines beyond just identifying and describing them. This list provides Internet sites for introduction, procedures and examples on how work is actually made easier when properly using simple machines. Students will be demonstrating this with hands on activities, comparisons and finally by supporting this mathematically with calculations.

1. PHYSICAL SCIENCE

This is an extremely useful site for integrating work, force and energy with simple machines. This is a teacher-constructed/created page. The explanations are step by step with pictures to assist understanding.

http://www.sirinet.net/~jgjohnso/simple.html

2. The Elements of Machines

Provides an interesting introduction to the site. Gives enough information of the site so users can get a general and exciting idea of what the content of the site is.

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html

3. Mathematics of Bicycles I

This is a PBS Teacher Source. This particular page provides a real world example on the math behind bicycles. Perhaps the incentive to improve efficiency while riding bikes will appeal to some of the young men and women we teach.

http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/mathline/concepts/neighborhoodmath/activity3.shtm

4. mikids

http://www.mikids.com/

This is an interesting site especially for elementary. {**You need to visit just to move your cursor and see the unique calendar/clock. **} This has a list of topics appealing to teachers. While on the home page, click science, and then scroll down to simple machines. You may click on the hyperlink below. This is an EXCELLENT review for grade 8 in preparation for “work” calculations. However, this may also be useful to 4^th and 5^th grade teachers as well. This side describes, provides an example and an activity.

http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm

5. Work against a resistive force

This site provides direct answers to the following questions

What is a resistive force?

What is work against a force?

What is the other type of work?

Additionally there is a mini-quiz and formulas are also included in explanations.

http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/work.htm

6. Work is simple with simple machines

Definition, formula, and activity…what else does a teacher need?

http://www.ed.uri.edu/SMART96/ELEMSC/SMARTmachines/work.html

7. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Simple Machines

Addresses many questions including “How Much Easier Does a Simple Machine Make Things?” Thus we end up with a calculation of Mechanical Advantage. Scroll down a little more and Efficiency is addressed and calculated.

http://www.kent.wednet.edu/staff/trobinso/physicspages/PhysicsOf/Wade/physics.htm

8. Physics for Kids

This is a good site if an “even start” is necessary for those who may need some basic support in physics concepts. Over the last 2 years, I used Chemistry 4 kids and the middle school kids enjoyed it.

http://www.physics4kids.com/index.html

9. Doing Science, an Introduction to Physical Science

This site provides a list of physical science experiments for the classroom. This does not directly relate to mechanical advantage, but there are a couple of ideas I will use in other science areas.

http://acept.la.asu.edu/courses/phs110/ds/toc.html

10. Physics & Astronomy online education and reference.

This site has the fun facts that end up being answers in trivia type of games. This site has pages of information in the following categories: Home, Education, Reference, Directories, Community, Fun, eStore, and Site info. I may challenge the students in pairs to create 3 questions to stump their classmates using this site.

http://www.physlink.com/

11.

This is the professional site for the American Institute of Physics. This could be used for students to research careers, industry and journals just to name a few. This site could provide a basis for an enrichment assignment for the student(s) that are always looking for more

http://www.aip.org/

12. Gadget Anatomy

This is a short and simple online activity suitable for students working independently or with a partner.

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/GadgetAnatomy.html

13. Smithsonian Institute

If you are not familiar with this site, the options need to be experienced, not just explained. This is a good site for students to “browse”.

http://www.si.edu/

14. Cognition's Advantage Series Products Mechanical Advantage

This is a site of an international company that addresses Mechanical Advantage in the “real world”. A bit advanced for most middle school students but may be worth a look for some.

http://www.ci.com/products/maprod.html

15. Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency of Machines

This site provides a formal definition and explanation of Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency of Machines from the Family Education Network, great factual resource.

http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0859410.html

16. Physics

This is one of those “what you need to know about” sites. This is a physics dictionary online.

http://physics.about.com/cs/physicsdictionary/

17. Web Evaluation for Intermediate Grades

Thanks to the discussion board, it was LaRissa that recommended this site. This is specifically for intermediate grades. Primary and Secondary evaluations are also available.

http://www.siec.k12.in.us/~west/online/eval.htm

Teacher Notes

Process

In 8^th grade students will use a variety of machines in class to compare and contrast advantages as well as calculating the Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency of 3 different simple machines. I plan to have a station set up for each of the simple machines, with balances, spring scales, objects to move and other manipulatives. It is important that students complete a comparison of one machine under 3 different conditions. The students will work in assigned pairs and have Internet access available in the classroom. Also, students will be given the website evaluation form at the beginning of this project.

NYS Learning Standards and the National Technology Educational Standards

NYS Learning Standards

Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry, and Design	Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions. For the physical Setting
Key Idea 1 Mathematical Analysis	Abstraction and symbolic representation are used to communicate mathematically.
Performance Indicator M1.1	Extend mathematical notation and symbolism to include variables and algebraic expression in order to describe and compare quantities and express mathematical relationships.
Standard will be met when	When each student calculates work and mechanical advantage, and efficiency, he or she will Identify variables Identify relationships among variables Apply mathematical equations to describe relationships among variables in the real world.
Key Idea 1 Scientific Inquiry	The central purpose of scientific inquiry is to develop explanations of natural phenomena in a continuing creative process
Performance Indicator S1.1	Formulate questions independently with the aid of references appropriate for guiding the search for explanations of everyday observations.
Standard will be met when	Students question which simple machine would work most efficiently in a given situation.
Performance Indicator S1.3	Represent, present and defend proposed explanations of everyday observations so they can be understood by others
Standard will be met when	Students discuss with partner the simple machine being observed.

Standard 2 Information Systems	Students will access, generate, process and transform information using appropriate technologies.
Key Idea 5	Information technology is used to retrieve, process, and communicate information as a too to enhance learning
Performance Indicator 1	Use a range of equipment and software to integrate several forms of information in order to create good quality audio, video, graphic and text based presentations.
Standard will be met when	Students Utilize internet to gain information regarding simple machines and mechanical advantage. Utilize Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to complete a presentation Utilize a digital camera to obtain graphics for their written project. Choose to create and audiocassette of their finding for the visually impaired. Choose to create and video of their finding for the hearing impaired.

Standard 4: The Physical Setting	Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting, living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Key Idea 5	Energy and matter interact through forces that result in changes in motion.
Performance Indicator 2	Students will observe describe and compare effects of force on the motion of objects.
Standard will be met when	Students Observe and operate simple machines at each station Discuss with partner and describe machines at each station Compare the Mechanical Advantage of 2 different machines under the same conditions Compare the Mechanical Advantage of 1 machine under 3 different conditions.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) Project

ISTE Standards

Technology Foundation Standards for Students

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
Students are proficient in the use of technology.

Social, ethical, and human issues

Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

Technology productivity tools

Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Technology communications tools

Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Technology research tools

Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Credits and References

Graphic Images used on this page

Pulley graphic is from http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html

Institute of Physics Graphic is from http://www.aip.org/