The Ease of Machines by Todd McInturff

A lesson in simplicity: 3^rd Grade

Fall 2004

Introduction

This morning your school principal visited your classroom to inform everyone that the school has located enough money to build a new playground, with some really cool, fun play equipment. The problem is that there is only enough money to purchase the materials. So, the school is hoping to get volunteers, including you and your parents, to install the new playground equipment. As a lot of this equipment is really heavy and awkward, you need to find ways to make this task and your work load much easier.

The Challenge

For the challenge, you need only to bring along a pencil and some paper. You are going to be using the internet to learn about Simple Machines and how they make work easier. To complete your challenge, you need to accomplish the following:

• Identify, define, and draw example of the 6 types of simple machines
• Identify how each machine will make construction of the playground easier
• Give 2 examples of each type of machine that you have used at home or school
• Take the simple machine quiz

Your Journey

To begin your simple machine journey, just visit these helpful web sites:

· Simple Machines

· MIKIDS!

· "inQuiry Almanack" - Spotlighting... - March, 1997

· InventorsToolbox: The Elements of Machines

· Edheads - Simple Machines Activities - Lever - Pulley - Wedge - Screw - Inclined Plane - Wheel and Axle - Gear

For further investigation, use the following keywords in a search engine:

· simple machines levers and pulleys wedge and screw

So how was the webquest journey into the world of simple machines? Please email me comments or suggestions to mailto:ToddsVt@aol.com