Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Compound Machine Project: Due Monday May 12, 2014



Simple Machines Project:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Simple Compound Machine assignment is targeted to be a fun hands-on activity at home.  It is never my intent to send home assignments that are unrealistic.  With that being said, I am expecting that the assignment will take some critical thinking as it is a problem solving activity.  From my experience last year, students spent anywhere from 3 to 20 hours (average around 5-6 hours) on project, often testing their patience and perseverance. 

The level of parent involvement will definitely depend on the family.  While parents are encouraged to participate, I understand that may not be possible.  Therefore, I would hope that the student would come to their teacher for support (I am available for help during lunch and after school and please let me know ASAP). Part of my hope with this assignment is that students will take responsibility for the project and be willing to ask for support if they need it.

On a final note, it is important to note that I do recognize effort, regardless of the outcome of the assignment.  If a student works extremely hard on a project and it does not work, I would never ignore the effort they put into it and what they learned from the experience.  Often, it the experience of persevering that is more valuable than the project itself.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Thanks,

Matt Blick – ARES Grade 5



Compound Machine Assignment
Due:  Monday May 12, 2014

What is a Compound Machine?

A compound machine is a machine made up of more than one simple machine.  Types of simple machines include the lever, wedge, pulley, ramp, screw, and wheel. 

What are the goals?

1.     To demonstrate a very good understanding of how simple machines work by creating a compound machine. 
2.     Provide a written and detailed paragraph(s) that explains how their compound machine works.
3.     Build a compound machine that works.
4.     Be able to explain verbally how your machine accomplishes its task.  Please use the appropriate vocabulary:  force, motion, load, fulcrum, distance and so forth.  We are trying to use “science” words when describing our compound machines.
5.     Create a sign that names your machine.  Ensure that it is easy to read.

How to build your compound machine:

Use your knowledge of simple machines, your creativity, and your ingenuity.  Look for other examples.  If you need advice, ask other students, your teacher or your parent/guardian.

Is anything off-limits?
Your machine needs to be safe. 

What do I do first?

Think of a problem or an idea where you think a compound machine would be useful.  Do some brainstorming.  Make a sketch of  some simple machines you may include.  If your first idea does not work, try again.  Inventors have lots of idea and often they encounter many setbacks before they are successful. 

NOTE:  There is no failure.  Instead of thinking that you failed, think about what you may do differently.  It is often the mistakes we make that help us move forward.

What do I do next?

Show your sketch and plan to your parents.  Talk over your ideas.  See if you all agree that your idea is possible.  Once you have come up with your idea, please show your teacher so that they can approve it.

After my compound machine plan has been approved by my parents and/or Mr. Blick, what do I do?

Start gathering the material you need to make your compound machine.   You can look pretty much anywhere.  You might use cereal boxes, parts of a broken-down toy, recycling, scrap material, tool boxes, “junk” from your closet, or even something under your bed!  Please remember to ask your parents before you turn something from home into your compound machine.

Once I have my supplies, what do I do?

Start putting your compound machine together.  Patience is extremely important at this point.  Make time to work on this project.

How can my parents help?

You can discuss your ideas with your parents.   Your parents may need to take you places if you need certain materials.  Since this is mostly an at-home project, I do expect that parents will be involved.

 Last year, the number one comment made by students was this:  I enjoyed spending one on one time with my parent(s) building this!



 How will the assignment be assessed:

1.      Compound Machine:  One mark for each simple machine used.
·        One simple machine – 1 mark
·        Two simple machines – 2 mark
·        Three simple machines – 3marks
·        Four simple machines  --  4 Marks
·        Five simple machines – 5 Marks
·        Six simple machines – 6 Marks

See attached Criteria that was sent home.

Total Score:   21 marks


No comments:

Post a Comment