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My Machine

Students will use knowledge of simple machines to invent or innovate an appliance that could make tasks easier.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Present the six simple machines to the class: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. See how many examples of mechanisms that use them they can identify. They might think of wheels and axles on a car, a pulley in a conveyor belt at the supermarket, etc. Now ask students to think of new devices or contraptions to invent that would use one or more of these simple machines to make a task more manageable.

  • Step 2

    Have students form pairs to brainstorm and design a new machine. It might be a way to make recycling more efficient and widespread, a new and easier way to prepare meals, or anything else they can imagine. One person could sketch a model of the device and another could write what it would be used for and how it would operate.

  • Step 3

    When their drawings and descriptions are complete, have each pair present it to the class and discuss how this device would improve work or personal lives.

Standards

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Challenge student pairs or groups go create a prototype of their machine using Model Magic, recycled boxes, and any other found objects or craft items.

Archimedes, who lived in Greece during the 3rd centure BCE, is credited with the invention of the screw, the pulley, the lever, and many other devices. Have students ponder and discuss his phrase, "Give me a place to stand and I will move the Earth."