Guide - Simple Machines and Linkages

Construct ramps with varying slopes and explore the science of inclined planes. Discover the many uses of an inclined plane raised from different heights by exchanging straw sizes. Build then test multiple ramps rolling a ball down to learn more about this simple machine.

Please note this resource was tailored for US schools and may require adjustments to suit UK schools.

🇬🇧 Teacher Notes

### Lesson Structure

When students go through this lesson in each section, the objectives they will learn are:

* **Imagine** – Discover how inclined planes can make moving objects easier.
* **Build** – Build an incline plane and vary the slope's height to test how they work rolling a ball.

Teacher Notes

Overview and Objectives

Materials

#### Teachers: Preparing Your Students (15 min)

When students begin the lesson, they start in [Overview and Objectives](#overview-and-objectives), then transition to this [Preparation](#preparation) section. Presented in their view is a vocabulary list of terms and infographics illustrating concepts across STEAM domains throughout this entire lesson.

There is an extra guide for preparing student readiness for their first engagement of new terms and content knowledge. Print or distribute the guide digitally. 

* Read through the vocabulary list. (5 minutes)
* Review the 6 simple machines. Download the optional asset and share to students. (10 minutes)

#### Vocabulary (5 minutes)

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson. They will be in **bold** and listed throughout the different sections. Students can always revisit the vocabulary definitions with media and questions in the lesson. (5 minutes)

#### Simple Machines and Linkages (10 minutes)

Review the simple machines and linkages. There is an **optional** guide used as a printout or can be shared online to students before they engage this lesson. Each simple machine is designed to make work easier or more efficient and referenced in this lesson. Download the optional guide. (10 min)

Preparation

### Advantage of Inclined Planes

* Throughout history, people have used the six **simple machines** to help them perform tasks.

  * **Inclined planes**, also called ramps, are the most basic of all types of **simple machines**.
* The **mechanical advantage** of **inclined planes**: less of an **effort** is applied to move a **load** over a longer distance.

  * The longer distance is the length of the **inclined plane**.
  * Less **effort** is needed to move something up a ramp than move something straight off the ground.
* Some various forms of **inclined planes**: a **sloping** road to travel up or down a mountain, an entrance ramp to a building, and a skate park.

  * Ramps make it easier to move **loads**.
  * They also enable accessibility for all people, who may be using wheelchairs, bikes, or strollers.
  * Ramps may have a steep **slope** or a gradual **slope**, depending on their purpose.

It takes less effort to move up a ramp when compared to the amount of force to move something straight off the ground, even though the distance is longer.

Imagine

Build a base

Create the top and attach to make a simple inclined plane

Cut, tape, then test roll the ball along the slope

Exchange the straw sizes to increase height

Add paper to extended ramp then test another ball roll

Shorten the height of the ramp then test

Exchange the straws again to make the shortest height

Compare the ball's speed by exchanging straw sizes for different ramp heights

NGSS

Florida - NGSSS

Build

References and Extra Resources

STEAM Classroom

United States

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

3-5-ETS1-1

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-2

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

3-5-ETS1-3

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-1

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-2

Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

ISTE Students

1.4.c Innovative Designer

Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.

Intro: Inclined Planes

Overview and Objectives

Lesson Structure

Overview