Teacher Resources for Instructional Planning


Grade 8, Science Std 9.0: Describe how mechanical advantages of simple machines reduce the amount of force needed for work. Describing simple machines

Lesson Plans: Cam Follower Motion Simulation: The eighth grade science students at Urbana Middle School study simple machines in a very practical way by building a number of devices. Simple Machines Make Work Easier My objective is to show that through the use of simple machines work can be made easier. Simple Machines Read the information on simple machines, then scroll down to experiment number 3. Studying Simple Machines Using a copy of a Rube Goldberg cartoon, show how the famous cartoonist drew weird and wacky machines to complete a simple task. Students will develop their own Rube Goldberg-type cartoon, using five types of simple machines, to accomplish their selected feat. Simple Machines Students will see a large number of everyday items in terms of simple machines i.e. levers, inclined planes, wheels and axles. Sketching Gadget Anatomy Close observation and sketching lead to a better understanding of how machines work. What Is Work? To show work (w) equals force (f) times distance (d) and the connection between work and potential energy, kinetic energy, and heat. Simple Machines Students build simple machines...adapt to grade level. Simple Machines: Levers Students build simple machines...adapt to grade level. Simple Machines Webquest Students identify simple machines in everyday objects.

Resources: Simple Machines Informational Sites List of Activities About Machines Simple Machines Work is Simple with Simple Machines Inventor's Workshop: Background information on simple machines Edheads: Activate Your Minds Interactive: Learn about simple and compound machines while you explore the House and Tool Shed!
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