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Sunday, April 5, 2015

Simple Machines: The Projects

After a thorough investigation of simple machines, the kids picked what type of simple machine they wanted to become experts in. They could become experts in wheels & axels, pulleys, levers, inclined planes, screws or wedges. Each expert team created a poster about their simple machine including photos of examples, most of which we found around our school and playground! We couldn't walk anywhere without them pointing out examples of simple machines!  Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the posters they made before Spring Break! I will add them tomorrow! Below is a photo of them putting one together. 


After organizing their data on posters, they decided on a project to create that would show how their simple machine worked.  After gathering materials, mostly recyclables and things we had in our classroom or my garage, we got started! The Wheel and Axel experts created a working water wheel. 



The wedge experts created book ends. 



The lever experts made a balance scale. 




The pulley experts created a flag pole. 




The inclined plane experts created a marble run. 



The screw experts created a corkscrew slide. 


The projects were displayed in the hallway along with documentation of our inquiry for parents to see as they came in for parent/teacher conferences. The kids were so proud to show them off!  I'm always so proud of how hard they work on their projects. They take them very seriously! 

Here is a hint to show what the kids have decided to investigate next!


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