Guide - Simple Machines and Linkages

The wedge is made of two inclined planes which is another kind of simple machine. Explore the mechanical advantage of the wedge and how it is used to accomplish tasks, then build a wedge to separate two joined prism blocks.

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 wedges make work easier for humans.
* **Build** – Build a wedge and test it by splitting apart two joined prism blocks.

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 the definition 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 Wedges

* A simple machine helps people accomplish **work** by changing the size or direction of a **force**.
    * A **wedge** is a simple machine made up of two inclined planes, joined to make a point on one end.
* **Wedges** have many applications and uses in everyday life.
    * **Wedges** can be used to hold things in place, lift objects, or split apart objects.
    * Common examples of wedges include the ends of forks and nails, a door stop, a forklift, an axe, and a chef’s knife.
* The thinner a **wedge** is, the more mechanical advantage it has. **Mechanical advantage** describes how much more **force** a tool applies, compared to how much **force** was applied to the tool.

A **wedge** is made up of two **inclined planes**, and can be used to split objects or hold objects together.  A ramp is a single **inclined plane**.

Imagine

Make square bases

Combine the square bases to make 2 blocks

Build the base of the wedge

Attach the wedge tip

Drive the wedge down to split the joined blocks

Create a tool apply more force to the wedge separating the blocks

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: Wedges

Overview and Objectives

Lesson Structure

Overview