South Carolina ETV

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Columbia, SC 29201-4761
Phone: 803-737-3545

Move It! (Grade 3)

Master Teacher

Catherine Musgrove

Overview

This lesson is designed to investigate how people use simple machines to change the strength or direction of forces they apply. By observing video segments demonstrating simple machines at work, and through opportunities to experiment with various simple machines, students will increase their awareness of how simple machines can make "work" easier.

SC Math/Science Standards Met

Science Achievement Standards
Area III—Matter and Energy
Strand 3: B

Area IVApplications
Strand 2: A, B

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to:

devise a way to move an object from the floor up onto a table using at least two simple machines
demonstrate their ideas
identify the simple machines they used

Materials

Per group of 3_4 students, and held in a bin or basket:

1 cotton ball
roll of string or yarn
2 rulers
2 yardsticks
2 empty spools
2 spools of thread
2 pencils
roll of masking tape

ITV Series

Bill Nye the Science Guy, Program #107, "Simple Machines"

Previewing Activities

1. Begin by asking students to define "work," "force," and "simple machines." This should be a review of previous knowledge.

Focus for Viewing

To give students a specific responsibility while viewing, ask students to look for simple machines featured in the video clip. Also, ask students to observe where force is applied, and in what direction an object moves.

Viewing Activities

Begin the video when Bill Nye, the narrator, is entering the doorway of the lab—the "Wheels, Pulley, Lever Catapult Segment" in the lab.

Pause when you see "Ooops" on screen. Ask students to name simple machines featured so far in video. Ask them to recall where force is applied on the pulley, and in what direction the object moves. Finally, ask students to recall where force is applied on the catapult, and in what direction the object moves.

Begin the video again and play the "Make a Lever Demonstration" and the "Catapult Demonstration." Pause on the catapult image. Ask students to come up and point out the lever and fulcrum; where the force is applied; and in what direction the object moves.

Resume video. Bill is back in the lab. Continue playing the "Review of Levers" segment.

After the "Review of Levers" segment, fast forward through the ads, kids, and Bill Nye demo on screws. Stop after this.

Question for students to think about while watching the next segment—"How does a ramp make work easier?"

Play "Fire House Pole Scene with Bill," ramps demo, and "Try This" demo. Pause after this.

Ask the students—"How does a ramp make work easier? Where would you find a ramp at school or in your house?"

Post-Viewing Activities

1. Ask students to name different simple machines they saw in the video. List them on the board or on a tablet.

2. Look at the materials placed on each table. How can those materials be used or com-bined to move the cotton ball from the floor to the table? Work with the group for the next 10 minutes to explore different ways you can complete the task. Allow time for the groups to demonstrate one method they come up with.

3. Ask students to identify simple machines they used to accomplish the task. Was "work" accomplished? Where was force applied and in which direction did the object move in relation to that force?

Action Plan

1. Provide students with the following Web site:

Ask an Expert

Ask that they e-mail an expert on-line. Ask the expert a question pertaining to machines/tools they use that make their jobs easier. What simple machines are used?

Extensions

1. Encourage students to explore Web sites to research topics such as "History of Tools" and "Inventors/Inventions." These research opportunities will integrate science with math, social studies, history, and language arts.

Web sites for research: