Internet Field Trip Simple Machines

1. Internet Field Trip Simple Machines Wheel & Axle Screw Pulley Wedge Inclined Plane Lever

2. Pulley http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/pulley.htm Pulley: This simple machine is made up of a wheel and a rope.  The rope fits on the groove of the wheel.  One part of the rope is attached to the load.  When you pull on one side of the pulley, the wheel turns and the load will move.  Pulleys let you move loads up, down, or sideways.  Pulleys are good for moving objects to hard to reach places.  It also makes the work of moving heavy loads a lot easier.

3. Wheel & Axle http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/wheel.htm The wheel and axle is another simple machine.  The axle is a rod that goes through the wheel.  This lets the wheel turn.  It is easy to move things from place to place with wheels and axles.

4. Screw http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/screw.htm A screw is a simple machine that is made from another simple machine.  It is actually an inclined plane that winds around itself.  A screw has ridges and is not smooth like a nail.  Some screws are used to lower and raise things.  They are also used to hold objects together.

5. Inclined Plane http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/plane.htm An inclined plane is a simple machine.  It is a flat surface that is higher on one end.  You can use this machine to move an object to a lower or higher place.  Inclined planes make the work of moving things easier.  You would need less energy and force to move objects with an inclined plane. 

6. Lever http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/lever.htm A lever is a simple machine.  A lever is a board or bar that rests on a turning point.  This turning point is called the fulcrum.  An object that a lever moves is called the load.  The closer the object is to the fulcrum, the easier it is to move.

7. Wedge http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/wedge.htm A wedge is a simple machine used to push two objects apart.  A wedge is made up of two inclined planes.  These planes meet and form a sharp edge.  This edge can split things apart.

8. Objectives Observe and identify the types of simple machines. Conduct research and gather data to increase knowledge of simple machines. Apply knowledge and organize data to complete a graphic organizer and focus questions. Identify and understand terms that apply to simple machines. Communicate data and observations with partner.

9. Materials Needed Internet Field Trip Worksheets http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/pdf/march06/invention.pdf Computers with Internet access Simple machine examples

10. Lesson Plan • Subjects: Science, Language Arts, Technology • Timeline: Approximately 2 days • Summary: Students are arranged into partners to research simple machines through an online field trip. They are directed to check out predetermined websites and to fill in the Internet Field Trip Worksheet. Grade: 3 – 8

11. Assessment Completion of the graphic organizer and focus questions. Compiling a list of simple machines in each room of their house. Which room has the most? Which has the fewest?

12. Lesson Extension • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien • * Students read a section in this book and then illustrate the rats’ invention. Dirtmeister’s Science Lab on Levers http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirt/lever/whatlevr.htm

13. Questions