Introduction
Simple Machines Can Help!
by Danna Rodebush
Click on the picture to hear a song about simple machines.
Before you begin, you will need to sign in to Google Classroom: Science and get your copy of the WebQuest guide.
Task
Christmas is almost here and your help is needed! Santa's elves are working hard making toys for all of the boys and girls, but they have a problem.
They don't have an easy way to transport toys from their workshop to Santa's sleigh. They need a way to load the toys quickly and easily.
Can you help the elves? It's up to you to design a machine or set of machines to help the elves transport the toys from their workshop to Santa's sleigh so they don't run out of time before Christmas!
Process
Before you can begin to help the elves, you will need to research simple machines and learn all that you can. Follow the links in this WebQuest to help you prepare for your job in helping Santa. Be sure that you have logged into Google Classroom: Science to get your copy of the WebQuest guide.
Step 1: Click on the image below to take you to your first activity. Once you are at the website, press "Click here to start". Click on the HOUSE first. There are 4 rooms in the house. Please visit all 4 rooms and record your scores on your WebQuest guide in Google Drive.
Step 2: After you visit all 4 rooms and the tool shed, click on the GLOSSARY link on the home screen of Edheads and research further. Record your answers on your WebQuest guide.
Step 3: Visit the websites below to research and learn more about simple machines. Fill in your WebQuest guide as you research.
Lever 1
Simple Machines: Inclined Plane
Simple Machines: Wheel and Axle
Step 4: Now it's time to help the elves!
You will get a copy of the "Help the Elves Project Page." Your final project will look something like this:
In order to plan your design to help the elves load the gifts onto Santa's sleigh, you will also receive a copy of the "Help the Elves" Planning Page.
On this planning page, you will use the knowledge you have from your research to design and sketch a machine or system of machines to help the elves transport and load gifts from their workshop onto Santa's sleigh quickly and easily.
Brainstorm with your table group what type of simple machines you could possibly design for Santa's elves and then INDEPENDENTLY design and sketch your own machine. Each person will plan and design a machine. You can use ideas that your table group members have shared, but the machines cannot be identical.
Be sure your WebQuest guide has been turned in to Google Classroom and then turn in your Planning Page and your Final Project Page to the science tray.
Evaluation
|
WebQuest Guide All blanks are filled in accurately and guide is submitted on Google Classroom. |
/30 |
|
Machine Planning Page Planning page notes are neat and sketch of machine is labeled and detailed. The use of at least 3 simple machines is evident. Student explains how each simple machine is used. |
/20 |
|
Final Project Drawing of Machine is colorful, detailed, and neat. Simple Machines are labeled. Paragraph explains the design and the purpose of each simple machine. Correct punctuation, grammar, and capitalization are used throughout. |
/30 |
| Total points earned | /80 |
Conclusion
Santa thanks you for your help!
