Thursday, February 10, 2011

Simple Machines - Our Theme for February





Quick! Can you name the 6 simple machines? I bet your child can! So far this week, we've learned about the lever, pulley and inclined plane, as well as modifications of these, the wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. Using a combination of books, The Way Things Work DVDs, and demonstrations/experiments, we've learned the basics: that machines make work easier and that simple machines can combine to become complex machines. We tested what is easier, lifting a heavy object straight up, or using an inclined plane to do so. We lifted a heavy pail using just a string, and then wrapped the string around a pulley to do so with less effort. Today, I demonstrated how to make a screw with an inclined plane and a pole. 


I'm really looking forward to the Invention Convention on March 4th! If you are missing the guidelines, please be sure to check your emails or your child's cubby.



1 comment:

Unknown said...

Another exciting project. I am so happy those children are getting this level of education.