• Questions/Topic:
    How do many machines and vehicles work?

     
    Concepts: 
    Intro level look at the power and transmission systems of machines.

     

     

    Standards Addressed in the Unit

    Reasoning and Problem Solving 

    PROBLEM SOLVING/Types of Problems: 2.3 Students solve problems of increasing complexity. This is evident when students:

    aa. Solve problems that require processing several pieces of information; and
    PROBLEM SOLVING/Improving Effectiveness: 2.4 Students devise and test ways of improving the effectiveness of a system. This is evident when students:
    a. Evaluate the effectiveness of a system;
    b. Identify possible improvements;
    c. Test-run the improvements and evaluate their effects;
    d. Make changes and monitor their effects over time;
    e. Identify further possible improvements; and
    f. Test-run and evaluate results.

    RELATIONSHIPS/Teamwork: 3.10 Students perform effectively on teams that set and achieve goals, conduct investigations, solve problems, and create solutions (e.g., by using consensus-building and cooperation to work toward group decisions

    Fields of Knowledge

    Design & Technology 4. Students utilize a technological/engineering process to solve practical problems to meet human needs and wants.

    1. Create design solutions:
    ? built on specifications, with an understanding of constraints (cost, weight, environment), and tolerances that effect performance;
    ? include mathematical and/or mechanical models of their design;
    ? include steps and sequences to efficiently build a prototype that conforms to specifications;
    ? test prototypes;
    ? use the results to modify designs

    Learning Opportunities

    Activities
    Working in teams and using Lego Tehnics buildings sets student build a variety of machines. These activities explore many types of mechanical transmission of power ie: belt, gear, chain, and combinations of these systems.

    Culminating Activity
    Student teams are challenged to build a hill climbing vehicle. (inclined plane) A second activity is to design a vehicle that will be over or the closest to the red finish line when challenged by a second teams vehicle.

    Assessments
    Teacher observation and success level of final activity.

    Resources
    Lego Technics sets. Lego support and teacher generated materials