Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a teeter-totter works? Do you know what simple machines make up your bicycle?  Did you know the fork you eat with is a simple machine?  What are simple machines; and why do we need them?  This unit introduces the concept of simple machines in a fun and exciting way.

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The Task

  Your tasks during this web quest will include:

• drawing and labeling each of the six (6) simple machines in a Kid Pix slide show
• designing a poster and creating your own complex machine from various materials
• presenting and explaining your machine, and how your machine works to the class

Click here to take the quiz.  Then click the back button to return to this web quest.  test

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Evaluation
Your grades will be based on the following rubric.
 

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Kid Pix Pictures	Background is gray. There are few or no pictures.	There are some pictures, but no labels with them.	There are many appealing pictures, and they are labeled.	There are appealing, labeled pictures and differences in type size and/or color.
Simple Machines Poster	There are few or no details. Nothing is labeled.	There are some details, with a few parts labeled.	Your pictures are detailed; parts are labeled accurately.	There are different and detailed views of your machine; parts are labeled accurately.
Your  Invention	Your invention does not work.  It does not match your poster.	Your invention works, but does not match your poster.	Your invention works and matches your poster.	Your invention works, matches your poster, and is very unique.
Presentation	You were not prepared for your presentation.	You were prepared for your presentation, but it could have been better.	Your presentation was good.  You were well-prepared.	Your presentation was great!  It kept everyone's attention all the time!
Total Points					/16

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Conclusion

During this web quest, you created pictures of the six simple machines.  You also designed and created your own complex machines, which you presented to the class.

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Credits & References

Animated gears from Cool Archives

Web sites used for this web quest:
http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm
Glenn Learning Technologies Project
Simple Machines Learning Site

Special thanks to Judy Griffin-AEA 13, Gail Maxwell-Griswold Comm. School, and Rich Mortensen-Griswold Comm. School for all their guidance and support.
 

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