Introduction

Simple machines are everywhere! They have been around for hundreds of years. We need them to a lot of things we do today, because when you combine simple machines you get a compound machine. Learn about the 6 different types of simple machines and how they combine to make many things that help our agriculture industry.

Task

You will make a simple machine tractor out of many household items and then write a paragraph describing all of the simple machines used in the tractor and how that piece of farm equipment is important to farmers.

Process

Part 1

Watch Dr. Skateboard for an overview of simple machines as they relate to skateboarding.

Part 2

Now you’re ready to learn about each machine. Click on the link above or below each picture and learn what they each do. Use the worksheet to record all of your findings and to follow along the website.

Lever Wheel and Axle Screw

Pulley Wedge Inclined Plane

Part 3

Now that you are familiar with each simple machine, find out more about each one by doing an activity with your class for each one.

Pulley Lever Wedge Wheel and Axle Inclined Plane Screw

Part 4

Play a game here and find the machines. Click “start” on the left side of the screen to play! Choose the house the first time you play. Be sure to ask your teacher and print your score card when you’ve finished!

Part 5

Read this Ag. Mag. about farm machines and how simple machines have helped farmers out for many years.

Take the quiz from the Ag. Mag. on the worksheet and turn it into your teacher.

Part 6

Now, look at these farm machines. Click the “next” button to see more.

Do you see any simple machines?

Your teacher will break you into groups and give you one of the machines to look at as a group. Find and write down as many simple machines as you can in your farm machine.

Part 7

You are going to make your own simple machine tractor! You and your group members need to collect these items from home.

î Brown construction paper to cover the milk carton

î Tag board for wheels and headlights

î Milk carton (1 small)

î Straws (3)

î Scissors

î Black pipe cleaner (1)

î Glue and/or tape

î Modeling clay

î Markers

Listen to your teacher’s instructions on how to build the tractor.

Conclusion

Write a paragraph describing your farm equipment. It should mention every simple machine used in your tractor, as well as describe its specialty job. Be sure to describe why that piece of equipment is important to the farmer.

Evaluation

See the Teacher Page for grading rubrics, answer keys, SOLs, unit extensions, and additional resources.

Credits

This WebQuest was created by Kelly Henaghan for Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom. WebQuests are made possible through a grant from Monsanto.

www.agintheclass.org

Last revised: December, 2008

© 2008 Agriculture in the Classroom; All Rights Reserved