Simple Machines
An Internet Project for Serra Catholic Fifth Grade Science
Students
Using the Science of Cycling Link, a
resource developed by the Science Learning Network and The Exploritorium, San Francisco,
California, answer the following questions.
1.
Where did the wheel originate?
___________________. When? __________.
2.
When did the modern bicycle emerge?
__________________
3.
In England, bicycles were called
"__________________". Why were they called this?
___________________________________________________________
4.
Why were the high wheels so
dangerous?_________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5.
How much weight can a wheel support?
__________________________________________
6.
What were the first bicycle tires made of?
________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
7.
Who invented the pneumatic rubber tire and
when? ______________________
__________________________________________________________________________
8.
What does pneumatic mean?
_______________________________________
9. How did the pneumatic tire change
the bicycle? ____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
10.
Who is credited with developing the idea of
the chain? ______________________________
11.
What advantage does the chain drive give a
bicycle? _______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
12.
What
benefits do gears give a bicycle? __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Now let's explore Leonardo Da Vinci using a resource developed
by the Museum of Science, Boston, for the Science Learning Network. List several things
Leonardo has accomplished.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Now, using the Inventor's Tool Box link,
list and explain the simple machines listed.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
List some other elements of machines.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Now, that you have studied the simple
tools in the tool box, guess which ones are used in these tools today. You will now use
the Gadget Anatomy link
to perform this exercise.
Hand powered
drill__________________________________________________________
Wing handle
corkscrew_______________________________________________________
Scissor style
jack____________________________________________________________
Now, use the Leonardo Mysterious
Machinery link to determine which machine today is being illustrated. List them.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Extra Credit. Complete an activity
from this Creativity link
Now, using WORD, write a letter to your teacher pretending you are Leonardo's neighbor. Tell of the wonderful inventions he is creating and all of his creative talents. You will be sending this letter as an e-mail attachment.