Extreme Machines

Machines both simplify and complicate our lives and provide visions of a perfect world. Extreme Machines, a highly interactive exhibit group, demonstrates the mechanical advantage

machines provide to make work easier in our everyday lives. The exhibit illustrates simple and

complex machines and explores the physics behind our mechanized world. Whether choosing

to lift a car engine or even another human, Extreme Machines allows visitors to determine

the best type of pulley or lever to successfully complete the task. The manipulation of gears,

pulleys, levers and a few more complex contraptions also allow visitors to convert potential

energy to kinetic energy.

2EXTREME MACHINES Summary of Exhibits

EXHIBIT CONCEPTS EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

Pull Yourself Up Mechanical Advantage Simple/ComplexMachines

This exhibit demonstrates mechanical advantage of the wheel and axle using chairs attached to three different types of pulleys: a fixed pulley, a movable pulley and a block and tackle. Visitors sit in each chair and pull themselves up a short distance.

Dumbbell Gyroscope Gyroscopic MotionLaws of Motion

Observe changes in the motion of a large two-wheeled gyroscope by shifting a balance weight and varying the speed of its rotation.

Belts and Pulleys Mechanical AdvantageSimple/Complex Machines

Build pulley arrangements on and between tables, changing the distance between pulleys, number of connected pulleys, the diameter of the pulleys and the belt tension.

Bicycle Legs Energy Conversion Coordinate the movement of hydraulic cylinders representing human leg muscles to pedal a bicycle.

Differential Mechanical AdvantageEnergy ConversionSimple/Complex MachinesLaws of Motion

A slow motor turns a series of beveled gears that transfer energy to a pair of cylinders. By stopping one cylinder, visitors can observe the changes in the other cylinder.

Segway Gyroscopic MotionLaws of Motion

This Segway is an example of a practical application of gyroscopic motion.

3 & 5 Fingered Dual Robotic Arms

Cybernetics/ Robotics This exhibit compares the movements of three and five finger robotic arms. Move the joystick to control shoulder, elbow and wrist movement. Press buttons to control fingers. Try to pick up or stack foam blocks.

Simple Machines Perception of SoundMelodic Variation

Manipulate a series of pulleys, gears, levers, belts and chains to convert potential energy into kinetic energy.

Lever Mechanical AdvantageEnergy ConversionSimple/Complex Machines

Visitors use an 18 foot lever to lift a car engine. They can adjust the amount of force needed by moving up and down the lever arm.

Cybernetic Cybernetics/ RoboticsProsthetics

Use sensors to operate the artificial arm, ear and eye.

Summary of Exhibits

3EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade

LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

KINDERGARTEN

SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS

1.1 Observe, describe, sort, classify objects

1.2 Participate in simple experiments

1.3 Ask questions, make predictions, communicate observations

SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE

1.1 Observe, describe, sort, classify sensory attributes of objects

1.2 Compare, describe the properties of objects

1.3 Observe, describe how objects move

PASS Skills by Grade


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 1


1.1.Observe and Measure

1.2.Compare and Contrast

2.1 Classify by observable properties

2.2 Arrange in serial order

3.1 Ask a question

3.2 Plan, conduct an investigation

3.3 Gather data

3.4 Practice Safety, recognize hazards

4.3 Communicate results of investigation


1.1 Objects have properties

1.2 Objects can be grouped with 5 senses


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 2


1.1 Observe and Measure

1.2.Compare and Contrast



3.1 Ask a question


3.3 Gather data




1.1 Objects have properties

1.2 Objects can be grouped with 5 senses


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 3


1.2 Compare and Contrast



3.1 Ask a question


3.3 Gather data




1.1 Objects described as materials/mixtures separated


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 4


1.1 Observe and measure (SI Units)

1.2 Compare and contrast



3.1 Ask questions/form investigative plans

3.2 Evaluate design of investigation

3.3 Design, conduct investigation

3.4 Practice safety, recognize hazards

4.1 Communicate results with tables, graphs

4.2 Interpret tables, graphs

4.3 Make predictions based on patterns

5.1 Investigate questions different ways

5.2 Use measurement tools, technology

5.3 Formulate general statement for data

5.4 Share results


1.1 Position, motion of objects changed by push/pull


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 5


1.2 Compare and contrast





3.3 Design, conduct investigation


4.3 Make predictions based on patterns

5.3 Formulate general statement for data

5.4 Share results


1.3 Energy can be transferred


LEVER

SIMPLE M

ACHINES

GEAR WALL

SEGWAY

DIFFERENTIAL

BICYCLE LEGS

BELTS AND PULLEYS

DUMBBELL GYROSCOPE

PULL YOURSELF UP

GRADE 6


1.1 Identify qualitative/quantitative changes


2.2 Identify properties by which things can be ordered



3.3 Identify variables /controls in experimental set-up

3.4 Identify testable hypothesis

3.5 Design/conduct investigation


4.1 Use appropriate method to report data

4.3 Evaluate data/develop reasonable explanations, predictions

4.4 Accept or reject hypotheses when given results

4.5 Communicate scientific procedures/explanations

5.1 Inquiry - Use observation/accurate measurements/identify variables

5.3 Inquiry - Review, summarize data/form logical conclusions

5.4 Inquiry - Formulate/evaluate explanations/suggest alternatives


2.1 Energy exists in many forms/Energy can be transferred

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EXTREME MACHINES Complex Contraptions

CONCEPTSVisually introduces the concepts of simple and complex machines, energy transference and work.

EXTREME MACHINES GROUP EXHIBIT TIE-INSimple MachinesLeverPull Yourself UpBelts and Pulleys

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR COMPLEX CONTRAPTIONS TRAINING GAMES BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF WAR (per class or student group) 2 brooms, broom handles or 1-2 dowel rods 20 feet of rope

SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY 20 x 30 sheet of foam core, plywood or heavy cardboard chip or nut canister with lid clay or rocks for weight masking tape meter or yard stick stopwatch, watch or clock with a second hand scale for measuring additional weight chair books

SNACK WARS a text book a ruler a paint stir stick a plastic spoon a small block of wood duct tape or rubber band miniature marshmallows meter stick

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EGG-TERMINATORS INQUIRY CHALLENGE craft sticks straws rubber bands small pulleys or wooden spools string paper clips

Complex ContraptionsTeachers Reference Page

assorted nails and screwsassorted cups or containersscrap woodglue/tapescissors/rulers

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1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.3 5.4 SCIENCE CONTENT - PHYSICAL SCIENCE

1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1

GRAD

E 1

GRAD

E 2

GRAD

E 3

GRAD

E 4

GRAD

E 5

GRAD

E 6

PASS Skills for Complex Contraptions

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EXTREME MACHINES BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR

MATERIALS NEEDED (PER CLASS OR STUDENT GROUP) 2 brooms, broom handles or 1-2 dowel rods 20 feet of rope Data Sheet

TEST #1 One broomstick and then wrap the rope Place the two broomsticks on a ground parallel to each other about 3 feet apart.

Tie the rope to around each broom 1 time.

Have two students lift the brooms waist high and have a third student hold the end of the rope. Have the two broom holders pull their broomsticks apart as the rope holder attempts to pull them together by pulling on the end of the rope.

Record the outcome.

TEST #2 Wrap the rope around each broom two times.

Predict what will happen.

Have the same students repeat the test above with the new rope configuration.

Record the outcome.

TEST #3 Would the size of the students pulling the rope or broomsticks affect the outcome?

Make a prediction and test it out.

Record your outcome

TEST #3 Would the number of students pulling the rope or the broomsticks affect the outcome?

Make a prediction and test it out.

Record you outcome.

SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS.

BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WARExploring the power of pulleys.....

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EXTREME MACHINES BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR

BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WARData Sheet

TEST PLAN PREDICTION RESULTS

1 1 student on each broom handle1 student on the rope.Rope wrapped 1 time.

2 Same studentsRope wrapped 2 times.

3

4

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EXTREME MACHINES SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY

MATERIALS NEEDED (PER STUDENT GROUP) 1 20 x 30 sheet of foam core, plywood or heavy cardboard

1 chip or nut canister with lid

clay or rocks for weight

masking tape

meter or yard stick

stopwatch, watch or clock with a second hand

scale for measuring additional weight

chair

books

WHAT TO DO

Tape a starting line across one end of the board. This will be your racetrack. Lay the racetrack on the ground, then place the closed canister on the line. Remove your hand - dont push the canister. Measure the distance the canister moves. Record it on your data sheet.

Balance the START end of the platform on the top of a book. Measure the height of the book. Sit the closed canister on the line. Let go. Measure the distance.

Repeat the exercise and record the time it takes for the canister to reach the bottom of the track.

Predict what will happen to the distance your canister will roll and the time it takes to reach the bottom of the track if you increased the height of the racetrack starting point.

Test your hypothesis and record your results.

Does the weight of your canister affect its rolling speed and distance? Predict what will happen to the canister if you increase the weight by adding rocks or clay? Test your hypothesis and record your results.

SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAYExploring the terrain of the inclined plane.

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EXTREME MACHINES SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY

SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY Data Sheet

PREDICTION (Height of track)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREDICTION (Weight of canister)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Summarize your data. Draw conclusions. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Share your results.

TRIAL# HEIGHT OF RAMP LENGTH OF ROLL TIME TO BOTTOMOF TRACK

AMOUNT OF WEIGHT ADDED

1 0-FLAT RAMP

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EXTREME MACHINES SNACK WARS

MATERIALS NEEDED (PER STUDENT GROUP) a text book a ruler a paint stir stick a plastic spoon a small block of wood duct tape or rubber band miniature marshmallows meter stick

SNACK WARSInvestigating the lure of levers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHTPlace a book near the edge of your desk. Slide a ruler under it with 8 inches of it hanging over the edge of the desk. With your finger, apply a force to the end of the ruler to lift the book. Push the ruler further under the book until only 4 inches of it hang over the edge of the desk. With your finger, apply a force to the end of the ruler to lift the book.

In which situation is less force required?

Design a device using the materials provided that will launch marshmallows the farthest. Your device must meet the following criteria:

Use only the materials provided. Marshmallow must be touching or resting on the object before it goes into the air. (You can not bat the marshmallow.)

Keep a log of your plans, tests and results.Share what youve learned with the class.

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THE CHALLENGE Using your knowledge of simple machines, design, build and test a device

that will demolish an egg in a spectacular fashion.

THE RULES Device must be of your own design. Device must be composed of 3 or more simple machines. Once activated, the device must operate hands-free. Device must break the egg into at least 3 pieces. Keep a log of your plans, tests and results.

MATERIALS ALLOWED: craft sticks straws

rubber bands

small pulleys or wooden spools

string

paper clips

assorted nails and screws

assorted cups or containers

scrap wood

glue/tape/scissors/rulers

Inquiry Challenge-Complex Contraptions

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Childrens Literature SelectionsEXTREME MACHINES

Gizmo Barry Varela, Ed Briant (Illustrator)Publisher: Roaring Brook Press Pub. Date: May 2007 ISBN-13: 9781596431157 Age Range: 4 to 8 32pp

When Professor Glink decides to create a perpetual motion machine replete with a mingle-mangle of pendulums, pulleys, cogs and gears, the darn contraption soon takes on a life of its own--with hilarious results. With sensationally complicated illustrations and show-stopping tongue-twisters, Gizmo may well be the looniest picture book of the year.

If I Built a Car Chris Van DusenPublisher: Penguin Group (USA) Pub. Date: June 2007 ISBN-13: 9780142408254 Age Range: 4 to 8 40pp

Jack has designed the ultimate fantasy car. Inspired by zeppelins and trains, Cadillacs and old planes, with brilliant colors and lots of shiny chrome, this far-out vision is ready to cruise! Theres a fireplace, a pool, and even a snack bar! After a tour of the ritzy interior, Robert the robot starts up the motor . . . and Jack and his dad set off on the wildest test drive ever!

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Virginia Lee BurtonPublisher: Houghton Mifflin Company Pub. Date: October 1977 ISBN-13: 9780395259399 Age Range: 5 to 8 48pp

Mike Mulligan remains faithful to his steam shovel, Mary Anne, against the threat of the new gas and Diesel-engine contraptions and digs his way to a surprising and happy ending

Fiction

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EXTREME MACHINES Childrens Literature Selections

150 Great Science Experiments: Ingenious, Easy-to-Do Projects Explore and Explain the Wonders of Science and Technology Chris Oxlade (Editor)Publisher: Anness Publishing, Ltd. Pub. Date: January 2002 ISBN-13: 9780754808435 Age Range: 9 to 12 256pp

All about Machines: Amazing Inventions That Made Life Easier Chris Oxlade, Graham PeacockPublisher: Anness Publishing, Ltd. Pub. Date: January 2003 ISBN-13: 9781842156940 64pp

What is a machine? How does a machine work? How and why are machines used? Simple machines from balances and levers to sophisticated electronic equipment are explained and illustrated. The instructions for suggested projects include materials and step by step guidance, making this a practical resource in the classroom or in the home. Children will learn and have fun reading about how different machines work. A glossary, an index and additional resources page complete this book

BuildingAndrew HaslamPublisher: T&N Childrens Publishing Pub. Date: June 1997 ISBN-13: 9781587283758 Age Range: 8 to 11 48pp

Hands-on experiments introduce such structures as skyscrapers, dams, keystone bridges, igloos, and lock gates and show the materials used, the method of construction, and the source of strength.

Engineering for Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun Janice VanCleavePublisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated Pub. Date: March 2007 ISBN-13: 9780471471820 Age Range: 8 to 12 224pp

Now you can discover the answers to these and many other fascinating questions about engineering for yourself with this fun-filled resource. Janice VanCleaves Engineering for Every Kid presents entertaining, challenging experiments and activities to help you understand the different types of engineering there areincluding structural, solar, electrical, and chemicaland how each is applied to real world everyday situations.

Each of the activities is broken down into its purpose, a list of easy-to-find materials, step-by-step instructions, expected results, and a simple scientific explanation. Plus, the books 25 projects can easily be used in the classroom, as the basis of a science fair project, or at home just for fun!

Experiments with Simple Machines Salvatore Tocci, Robert Gardner, Susan VirgilioPublisher: Childrens Press (CT) Pub. Date: March 2003 ISBN-13: 9780516226040 Age Range: 8 to 10 48pp

Describes various kinds of simple machines, showing how they can be made out of easily obtainable objects and detailing experiments that show how they make tasks easier to perform.

Non-Fiction

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How to Think Like a Scientist: Answering Questions by the Scientific Method Stephen P. Kramer, Felicia Bond (Illustrator)Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Pub. Date: March 1987 ISBN-13: 9780690045659 Age Range: 8 to 12 48pp

Every day you answer questions-dozens, even hundreds of them. How do you find the answers to questions? How can you be sure your answers are correct?

Scientists use questions to learn about things. Scientists have developed a way of helping make sure they answer questions correctly. It is called the scientific method. The scientific method can help you find answers to many of the questions you are curious about.

What kind of food does your dog like best? Is your sister more likely to help you with your homework if you say please? Can throwing a dead snake over a tree branch make it rain? The scientific method can help you answer these questions and many others.

Stephen Kramers invitation to think like a scientist, illustrated by Felicia Bonds humorous and appealing pictures, will receive enthusiastic response from young readers, scientist and nonscientist alike.

LeversNiroot PuttapipatPublisher: Black Rabbit Books Pub. Date: August 2007 ISBN-13: 9781599200835 Age Range: 9 to 12 32pp

There are levers all around us-from the seesaw in the playground to the scissors in our homes. But what are levers, and how do they work? This book answers these questions and many more. With clear text and colorful illustrations, find out what levers do and why they ore useful to us in our everyday lives.

Machines David Glover, Jon BarnesPublisher: Two-Can Publishing, Inc. Pub. Date: January 1999 ISBN-13: 9781587283574 Age Range: 8 to 11 48pp

A unique blend of imaginative activities, experiments, and science facts helps develop scientific thought. This mix of hobby and science teaches kids to observe, collate information, and reach conclusions. Teaches scientific principles through the hands-on process of making science work.

Machines, Transportation and

Art Activities John StringerPublisher: Crabtree Publishing Company Pub. Date: October 2002 ISBN-13: 9780778711445 Age Range: 8 to 9 48pp

Information about various topics related to machines, especially those used for transportation, forms the foundation for a variety of craft projects.

Mighty MachinesShar Levine, Leslie Johnstone, Steve Harpster (Illustrator)Publisher: Sterling Publishing Pub. Date: August 2006 ISBN-13: 9781402740510 Age Range: 9 to 12 48pp

How do machines work? Kids will have a blast constructing a mini-seesaw to illustrate the way a lever operates or creating their very own pulley from an empty spool, string, ribbon, pails, pennies, a broom, and two chairs. Theyll find out why they cant put in a screw using only their fingers and examine the different parts of compound machines. In another experiment, a childs bicycle becomes a laboratory for understanding whether wheels have to be smooth to run.

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Pulleys and Gears David GloverPublisher: Heinemann Library Pub. Date: April 2006 ISBN-13: 9781403485939 Age Range: 7 to 9 24pp

Introduces the principles of pulleys and gears as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

Ramps and Wedges David GloverPublisher: Heinemann Pub. Date: April 2006 ISBN-13: 9781403485656 Age Range: 7 to 9 24pp

Uses a variety of examples, from scissors and axes to zippers and hairpin turns, to demonstrate the power of the inclined plane and show how ramps and wedges make work and play easier.

Sensational Science Projects with Simple Machines Robert Gardner, Tom LaBaff (Illustrator)Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Incorporated Pub. Date: January 2006 ISBN-13: 9780766025851 Age Range: 8 to 9 48pp

How can a 50-pound boy lift a 200-pound man? How does a wheelbarrow work? Is it easier to roll a toy truck up an inclined plane or just pick it straight up? The experiments in this book will show how simple machines work and explain some elementary principles of physical science. All you need are some simple materials, most of which can be found around your home, school, or neighborhood.

ScrewsChris OxladePublisher: Black Rabbit Books Pub. Date: August 2007 ISBN-13: 9781599200859 Age Range: 9 to 12 32pp

Describes what screws are and how they work, different kinds of screws and their uses, and other facts about screws.

Wheels and Cranks David GloverPublisher: Heinemann Pub. Date: April 2006 ISBN-13: 9781403485687 Age Range: 7 to 9 24pp

Introduces the principles of wheels and cranks as simple machines, using examples from everyday life.

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EXTREME MACHINES Website Selections

Simple MachinesEdtechs simple machine resource/index page

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/simmach.html

Simple machine lesson plan with experiments and follow-up activities

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/Summer_Training/KaeAvenueES/SIMPLE_MACHINES.html

Museum of Sciences Leonardos Workshop with interactives for students and classroom activities for teachers

http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsWorkshop.html

Simple machine information for elementary students

http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/finalhome.htm

University of Rhode Islands Work is Simple with Simple Machines lesson plan and classroom activities

http://www.ed.uri.edu/SMART96/ELEMSC/SMARTmachines/machine.html

Dynamic Science simple machine activity index page

http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions/hydraulicus/simplemachinesindex.htm

Complex Machines/ContraptionsRube Goldberg site with art gallery

http://www.rubegoldberg.com/

Wacky complex machine lesson plans

http://www.edheads.org/activities/lesson_plans/pdf/sm_01.pdf

How Stuff Works differential page

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

Step-by-step plans for building an Archimedes screw

http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=413663&seqNum=4

How Stuff Works block and tackle page

http://www.howstuffworks.com/pulley.htm

Website Selections

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EXTREME MACHINES Website Selections

A Newtons Apple activity page on prosthetic limbs

http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/lessons/newton/prosthetic05.html

Exploratoriums Science of Cycling

http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/

Dynamic Sciences geartrain/gear ratio page with interactives and gear math activities

http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions/hydraulicus/gears.htm

Documents

Extreme Machines