Gold Seal Lesson:
Machine Automation

Copernicus Education Gateway

 

Subject:

Science

Grade:

 

 

5-8

 

 

ICLE Standards:

 

 

Students will use engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

 

 

Performance Task:

 

 

Working as a team and using a computerized modeling system, design a machine that lifts a small block, moves it horizontally six inches, and drops it into a container.

While applying an understanding of simple machines to an engineering design problem, use the engineering design process to construct a functional model using a computer modeling system and program the functional model using the appropriate software.

You will need to design the mechanism and program the computer. Don't forget to use all the information you've learned about simple machines.

Note to the teacher: Both the Lego/LOGO and the Fischertechnik modeling systems work well for this activity and are available from a number of school supply sources.

 

 

Knowledge / Skills:

 

 

Plan and apply real or hypothetical models and constructions to facilitate investigation and learning and the solution to practical problems.  (s115)

Understand the concepts and uses of machines (e.g., levers and pulleys).  (s49)

Participate, sometimes leading, in group meetings by contributing, taking turns speaking, and working toward a common goal.  (ela20)

 

 

Rubric:

 

 

Key:

  • 4 High quality performance/presentation 

  • 3 Good application of new knowledge and/or skills 

  • 2 Application of new knowledge and/or skills is appropriate and technically correct 

  • 1 Application of new knowledge and/or skills is minimally acceptable

  1. The mechanics of the model work well and are able to perform the specified task

  2. The computer program is properly written and is able to control the machine to perform the specified task 

  3. The student is able to work as a productive member of the team, serving in whatever role is needed 

  4. The constructed model demonstrates a working knowledge of simple machines 

 

 

Keywords:

 

 

PHYSICS
SIMPLE MACHINES
TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
MODELS AND CONSTRUCTION
TEAM WORK

 

 

Grades:

 

 

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [X] - 6 [X] - 7 [X] - 8 [X] - 9 [] - 10 [] - 11 [] - 12 []

 

 

ICLE Application:

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

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