Simple Machines Invention Web Quest

 

Introduction
As you explore this Web Quest you will learn about the six simple machines, their history, the inventors of simple machines, their history, the inventors of simple machines and how they make our lives easier.  You will also get to invent your own simple machine.

Task
It is your job in this Web Quest to invent a new machine.  You will work in pairs to invent a simple machine to accomplish a simple task.  In your group you need to make an invention and describe how it will simplify a task.
 

Process
1. Research the six types of simple machines: pulley, screw, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, and wedge.  Use the worksheet to describe the machines you have researched.

2. Create a mousetrap that has at least 5 steps. Include 3 to 4 different simple machines that will trap (not hurt) a mouse (extra points will be given to those that can use more).

3. The mousetrap must be built of materials and supplies that your group brings (do not forget items such as masking tape, duct tape, string, screws, nails, wood ramps, marbles, cups dominos, hammer, pulleys...)
4. The "mouse" must be trapped "alive": no bashing, smashing, or mutilating. (extra credit will be given to those groups that can use an alternative energy source in their mousetrap to do work, or identify where potential or kinetic energy is present in your mousetrap)


 Web Resources 

Simple Machine Examples
Investigating Simple Machines
Inventor's toolbox
Rube Goldberg Idea's
Rube Goldberg

Evaluation
 

Class Journal Blueprint Supplies Presentation Your Score
4 - Record your groups daily progress in complete sentences with Teacher's daily initials 4 - 11x17 sheet of paper
1. Draw a mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap (3 to 4)
3. List the steps of the trapping process- minimum of 5 (numbered)
4. List each member of the group and the materials that will bring to make the mousetrap		 4 - supplies brought in a timely manner 4 - 1. Introduce group (each person must share something)
2. Identify all the simple machines in the mousetrap
3. Identify where potential and kinetics energy are in your mousetrap
4. Describe each step of the mousetrap process
5. Demonstrate the mousetrap		  
3- Record your groups daily progress without complete sentences with Teacher's daily initials 3 - 11x17 sheet of paper
1. Draw a mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap (2 )
3. List the steps of the trapping process- 3 labeled
4. List each member of the group and the materials that will bring to make the mousetrap		 3 -some supplies missing, but on time 3 - 1. Introduce group
2. Identify 3 the simple machines in the mousetrap
3. Identify where potential and kinetics energy are in your mousetrap
4. Describe most step of the mousetrap process
5. Demonstrate the mousetrap		  
2 - Record daily progress of some group members, Initialed by Teacher 2 -11x17 sheet of paper
1. Draw a mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap (1)
3. List the steps of the trapping process  - 2 labeled
4. List each member of the group and the materials that will bring to make the mousetrap		 2 - materials late with some missing 2 -1. Introduce group (each person must share something)
2. Identify 2 of the simple machines in the mousetrap
3. Describe some of the step of the mousetrap process
4. Demonstrate the mousetrap		  
1 - Daily progress recorded by some group members and no daily initial by teacher 1-  1. Drawn mousetrap
2. Label the simple machines where they are in the mousetrap
3. List the steps of the trapping process-  1 labeled
 		 1 - did not bring materials 1- 1. Introduce group (each person must share something)
2. Identify 1 of the simple machines in the mousetrap
3. Describe some of the steps of the mousetrap process
4. Demonstrate the mousetrap		  


 

 

            Last Updated August 2005
Page Created by Ginger Stanford, Wiles Elementary