Strand D. Structures and Mechanisms; Simple Machines and Movement

How could you design and build a structure that protects toy people from the wind?

The lever is a type of simple machine. Learn about the different classes of levers and how they provide mechanical advantage.

Have fun discovering what magnets can pick up in this hands on activity.

5 images of examples where inclined planes are used to help lift or move objects such as ramps for accessibility or entertainment

6 images of some objects such as tweezers, scissors and wheel barrows that use the lever principle to create movement for a specific purpose

6 images of some objects such as in fitness equipment which use wheels with grooves in their rims called pulleys for movement

5 images of some objects such as corkscrews that have a mechanism of an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder to create movement

6 images of some tools such as axes and spikes that are inclined planes and used to help push objects apart

6 images of some objects such as ferris wheels and skate boards with wheel and axle mechanisms that create rotary movement

Students develop and apply Observing, Comparing & Contrasting and Sorting & Classifying skills as they explore the forces of push and pull acting on everyday objects.

10 images of some spherical objects such as golf balls and tennis balls that are made of different materials and used for specific purposes

Will it slide or stick? Students conduct a fair test to investigate how different solid surfaces affect the movement of an object on a ramp.

Make a scale from simple materials and test it to measure weight.

In this hands on activity build a wheelbarrow from simple materials to explore just how useful simple machines can be!

Students will work collaboratively to design and build a marble run that meets specific criteria.