Physics 2.4: MS & Upper Elementary
Hey all,
With the upper elementary, we studied inclined planes, specifically ramps, screws and wedges. The major concept I hope they understood is that an inclined plane helps you be decreasing the force you put in by increasing the distance you travel. They did an experiment with spring scales to measure newtons (force) and ramps of various lengths (the math didn't work in our favor- phooey). We also studied screws, recognizing that they are just a plane wrapped around a central rod. Screws turn rotational motion into vertical motion. The kids tried to split apart wood with our wedges and mallets. There wasn't much success. I'd been hoping the longer wedge would be easier to use (extra length requiring less force). The hatchet was nice and sharp and did some cutting :). I sent how a water bottle with each student because I wasn't sure if everyone had water bottles at home (the disposable plastic kind). I sent home a printed copy of the website below as well and the homework sheet, of course.
The middle schoolers are busy on their simple machine projects. I love how engaged they are. Yay.
HOMEWORK:
Middleschool:
- Do problem #31 on pg. 174
- Do problem #2 on pg. 153
- Find 2 examples of each simple machine (6) in your house, car or yard. Record in notebook. Draw a lever and label the fulcrum, load and force.
- Watch American man building "Stonehenge" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRRDzFROMx0
- Begin studying for test.
- At Home Activity- Screws can also move things! See how this screw moves cereal from a lower plane to a higher plane. Use this website for the plan.
http://stemacademymiddleschool.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/0/7/21079612/making_an_archimedes_screw.pdf
A screw is an inclined plane (or ramp) that wraps around something. The screw you are making is using 6 circles, so it doesn’t seem like it is an inclined plane. However, you will tape all those circles together. You really could make this screw with one strip of paper by making a spiral and cutting it out. But it’s far easier to just make the screw with these circles!
Play around with your screw and see if it works when you tilt it further upward. Can it work straight up and down? BRING YOUR SCREW TO CLASS TO SHOW! Also, bring any example of a simple machine for Show and Tell :)
- Book-Choose a book from the library that discusses simple machines.
- Vocabulary: Simple machine, compound machine, inclined plane, screw, wedge
Think about what you think each vocabulary word means, then read the definition. Choose one word and draw a picture that fills up a whole sheet of paper like something that could go in a coloring book. Label the picture with the vocabulary word. I will photocopy it and give it to the younger classes to color.
EXPO PROJECT- Now is the time to start thinking about a project. Projects will be worked on over the long Christmas break and presented at the end of January/ beginning of February.
- Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOX5X6KLpL8