Introduction

All around you are simple machines, and I bet you didn't know that you use them everyday!  They are in your kitchen, in your garage, in your classroom, and in your toy box.  But what are they?  It is going to be your job to figure out what a simple machine is, and what they are used for.  Once you have researched simple machines, you and a partner get to design and draw your very own simple machine, and share it with the class!  

What is a simple machine, and what are they used for?

It is your job to be your own teacher in this assignment.  You will research simple machines on the websites provided below.  You will be given a worksheet where you are to describe, provide examples, and list the purposes of each simple machine.  Once you have completed the worksheet, you will meet up with your partner and go over what you have each researched and compare answers.  After you both clearly understand what simple machines are and their purposes, you get to design your very own simple machine with your partner.  You two will need to design a simple machine that has a purpose, and you need to include at least one type of simple machine in your design (like a lever or a pulley).  You will be given a poster board to draw and describe your simple machine on.  Have fun with this assignment and make your design unique!

In order to understand what a simple machine is, and how it works, you will need to do some research on the Internet.  Below are some wonderful websites that provide you with all of the information that you will need.  With this research you will be able to write down what you think the different simple machines are, what they do and some examples of each.  You will also be able to identify different simple machines around your home and school environments.  At the end you and your partner will take all of this information and design and draw your own simple machine.  This could be a new invention, or a modification of something you use every day.  
 

1.  First you'll be assigned to a partner.  You two will be working together throughout the project, and will be able to use each other for a reference.  Sit together at a table, and answer the following questions.

• What do you think a simple machine is?  Give some examples of what you two think they might be.
• Where do you think you can find simple machines?
• What do you think simple machines are used for?

• What is the purpose of my machine, and what is its function?
• What simple machines are being used in my design?
• Is it something that can be used?

Your individual performance and grade will be evaluated on the completion of your simple machines worksheet, your ability to cooperate and work with your partner, as well as your finished design of a simple machine.  

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Score
Identifies Each  Simple Machines	Briefly lists what a simple machine is, and does not provide any supporting details.	Gives few details about what each simple machine is, along with minor supporting details.	Describes each simple machine in great detail, that provides the reader with an understanding of each machine.
States the purposes of simple machines, and provides examples.	States one purpose of each simple machine with minor details, and provides one example.	States two purposes of simple machines with details, and provides two examples.	Provides at least three purposes of each simple machine with supporting detail, and provides at least three examples of each.
Designs an appropriate simple machine.	Designs a simple machine that does not have a specific purpose or contain elements of a simple machine.  Provides no written description.	Designs a simple machine that has a purpose, but contains no elements of a simple machine.  Provides a brief written description.	Designs a simple machine that has a purpose and contains elements of a simple machine.  Provides a detailed written description.
Works cooperatively with a partner to design a simple machine.	Minimally works with a partner to develop an understanding of simple machines, and design a simple machine.	Minimally works with a partner during most of the assignment, minor support of developing an understanding of simple machines and  designing a simple machine.	Works with a partner throughout the activity to develop an understanding of simple machines, and works directly with a partner to design a simple machine.

Throughout this lesson you have learned what a simple machine is, their purposes.  You now know how to identify a simple machine in your home and at school.  You also designed your own simple machine, and someday you may even get to build it!  You never know, it may be the next greatest invention of a simple machine!