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Lesson 8: Machines (Control of motion) Grades: all, depending on the leading questions |
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| Possible Questions What is at the center of a measuring balance? (Grades K-12) How are the parts of the Rickey sculptures held together? (Grades K-12) What is a “knife-edge”? What is a “gimbel”? (Grades 7-12) Are there any knife-edges or gimbels at home, in a car or in this classroom? (Grades K-12) Teacher help: Beginning/introduction: Show the class a meter stick balanced in the middle or show them the triple-beam balance used in the classroom - try to get them to ask the follow-up questions. Middle: Hands–on: lower grades can build a mobile; higher grades can build a mobile using knife-edges or other forms of “balance-points”; higher grades can investigate and build different types of movable connections (Rotating connections are used on fishing rods - they are called “Barrel Swivels” - packs of 20 or 25 can be bought for about $2 - very useful for building rotating parts) Summing up the experience: Whole class discussions Linking motion controls with the production of repetitive motion Extensions: Clocks and watches - other examples of repetitive motion - this can lead to studying quite complex machinery, and breaking down all their parts into small single-moving parts How do human body joints work - are there different types? Some Standards |
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