Lesson 1: We will start our unit by watching a few videos that depict several uses of both pulleys and gears. In small groups we will create lists of all the uses for pulleys and gears and make a master list. We will also write down any questions we have about pulleys and gears and see if we can answer them throughout the unit.
Lesson 2 and 3: We will be talking about safety and how it relates to science of pulleys and gears. We will then move onto a two part lesson experiment. We will re-create a pulley/lever system to help weigh blocks and compare notes. Lesson 2 will be building our pulleys and lesson 3 will be used to complete our creation and weigh blocks and compare notes.
Lesson 2 and 3: We will be talking about safety and how it relates to science of pulleys and gears. We will then move onto a two part lesson experiment. We will re-create a pulley/lever system to help weigh blocks and compare notes. Lesson 2 will be building our pulleys and lesson 3 will be used to complete our creation and weigh blocks and compare notes.
Lesson 4: How can we get water from a well? We will explore different types of pulley/lever systems like those in Africa to get water from wells. You will pair up and use classroom supplies to build a replica of the system in the article provided. We will also discuss how the pulley system can be improved.
Lesson 5: Today there will be a demonstration regarding different pulley set ups (using single and multiple pulleys set in different ways). You will have the opportunity to explore these systems and experiment with force and mass. We will finish the lesson talking about fixed and movable pulley systems and their uses. Lesson 6: Today we will delve further into fixed and movable pulley systems. There will be a triple fixed and a triple movable pulley system in our classroom. We will discuss the mechanical advantages and disadvantages of this system. You should be taking notes in your notebooks because this will come in handy at the end of the unit! |
Lesson 7: Today we will use Lego an K'nex to build our own pulley systems. You will get to choose 1 of 3 pulley tasks to build. You must decide where you would use your pulley system, its advantages and disadvantages and give your pulley system a name. You will have the opportunity to present your systems to the class.
Lesson 8: Instead of a quiz, you will be working in teams of two to solve a problem using Lego and K'nex! "You are trapped on the roof of a burning seven storey building. All the stairways are blocked, there is no fire escape, there are no balconies and you cannot use the elevator! There is another shorter building beside you, closer to the ground. Both of these buildings will collapse in 30 minutes. Luckily, you have all your pulley supplies with you. In your teams, you have 30 minutes to get everyone to safety by transferring them to the shorter building and then to the ground before both buildings are destroyed."