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The Toymaker's Challenge

Physics, art, and fun combine as students learn about simple machines and design and create an original toy.

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.

  • Craft Materials
  • Paper
  • Recycled Cardboard Box

Steps

  • Step 1

    Work, in physics terms, is the measure of energy transfer that occurs when an object is moved over a distance by an external force. Over the years humans have developed ways to make this work easier by inventing simple machines that modify motion and the magnitude of force in order to perform work. Have students investigate the six simple machines that aid in this task, beginning with the invention of the wheel around 5500 years ago and later including the inclined plane, the lever, the wedge, the pulley, and the screw.

  • Step 2

    Have students form small groups to collaboratively design and create a toy that incorporates one or more of these simple machines. They can choose from a number of items including recycled boxes, Model Magic, craft items, dowel sticks or colored pencils as axles, etc. If creating a large structure out of Model Magic, suggest that they use cardboard, crumpled paper, or aluminum foil to create an armature and then build around it.

  • Step 3

    Have the student groups present their toys and describe the simple machines that help it function.

Standards

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

SCI: Develop a model using an example to describe a scientific principle.

Adaptations

Host a "toy convention" and invite students from younger grades to come and test the students' creations.

Archimedes is credited with the invention of the screw, the pulley, the lever, and many other devices. Have students learn about this 3rd-century BCE Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor who famously said, "Give me a place to stand and I will move the Earth.