Teaching Simple Machines
Available to interested teams, I have some LEGO Simple Machines kits (photo at bottom of this page). These kits come with printed build instructions. You can have the kids follow these guides to build variations on the same type of simple machine and compare the models to get a hands-on understanding of how various simple machines work. At least one simple machine and one moving part is required in every team model displayed at the Expo. There is usually a simple machine in the Explore set. Levers, wheels and axles, inclined planes, wedges, pulleys and screws have either one moving part, or none at all. Simple machines provide mechanical advantage, making it easier to move heavy objects. You can explore all but the wedge with your LEGO set. Well, I guess you could get creative with a slanted piece? Gearing up or down: https://youtu.be/vHd659JSR8w?si=xDfU5hzGKv0waxwT |
You can bring in, show pictures, or mention some simple machines the kids already use:
WEDGES
fork knife door stop farming plow nail scissor edge axes (handle is a lever) cheese grater push pin pencil sharpener INCLINED PLANES wheelchair walkway skateboard ramp playground slide stairs any ramp |
SCREWS
pencil sharpener blades bolt bottle cap/jar lid drill bit bottom of a light bulb wine opener PULLEYS
flag pole tape dispenser bicycle chain clothes line pulley window blinds elevators curtains |
LEVERS
hammer claw clothes pin bottle opener hedge clippers light switch paint can opener pliers scissors screw driver see saw garden spade spray bottle trigger stapler bicycle brake wheelbarrow tweezers |
WHEEL AND AXLES
pencil sharpener crank bicycle tire car tire ceiling fan door knob faucet knob wheelbarrow analog clock roller skate rolling pin GEARS
old fashioned egg beaters can opener bicycle |
Online Resources
1. "Tinkering is a hands-on form of open-ended exploration to learn about how things work, how to improve them, and how to build new things..."
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/tinkering-project-resources/
2. "The six basic simple machines are used in a variety of everyday objects..."
http://kids.britannica.com/elementary/art-89981/The-six-basic-simple-machines-are-used-in-a-variet
3. "Explain that stuff" has great pages on simple machines and gears:
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/toolsmachines.html#gears
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/gears.html
4. "Students will explore gears and gear ratios..."
http://www.legoengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Exploring-gears-WeDo.pdf
5. "We found 18 reviewed resources for lego simple machines"
http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=lego+simple+machines
6. From my friend Ethan in Louisville, Kentucky:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Info/Simple-Machines-Used-in-Cars-Lessons-and-Activities
1. "Tinkering is a hands-on form of open-ended exploration to learn about how things work, how to improve them, and how to build new things..."
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/tinkering-project-resources/
2. "The six basic simple machines are used in a variety of everyday objects..."
http://kids.britannica.com/elementary/art-89981/The-six-basic-simple-machines-are-used-in-a-variet
3. "Explain that stuff" has great pages on simple machines and gears:
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/toolsmachines.html#gears
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/gears.html
4. "Students will explore gears and gear ratios..."
http://www.legoengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Exploring-gears-WeDo.pdf
5. "We found 18 reviewed resources for lego simple machines"
http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=lego+simple+machines
6. From my friend Ethan in Louisville, Kentucky:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Info/Simple-Machines-Used-in-Cars-Lessons-and-Activities