Simple Machine Detective Form
While viewing the video, mark down each time you detect a simple machine is being used to help move the mail from one place in the world to
another. The six simple machines are listed below. Make a mark next to the appropriate machine, each time you see it being used in the
video. We will discuss your observations at the end of the video. To get you started, look at the mail truck driving down the highway.
Does any part of the truck use a simple machine to help it move?
LEVER ________________________________________________________________________
WEDGE ________________________________________________________________________
PULLEY ________________________________________________________________________
SCREW ________________________________________________________________________
INCLINED PLANE ________________________________________________________________________
WHEEL AND AXLE ________________________________________________________________________
A Tale from the Land of Douglassville
Many years ago, deep in the forests of the Amazon, an explorer looking for the mystical whangdoodle, discovered a never "before" seen
group of Amazon warriors living in a secluded village. After being captured by a band of soldiers, he was taken to the chief of the
tribe who sentenced him to death. On his way to the Valley of Extinction, a frail and crippled man hobbled forward and spoke to the
chief. After much discussion, the chief approached the explorer, and she told him his life could be spared if he was able to solve
the old man's problem. Here is the problem the explorer was asked to solve. Can you help save him?
PROBLEM: The village of Douglassville has just recently opened a letter office where members of the tribe can drop off letters to
be given to other members in the village. The old man put in charge of the office has determined it will cost 10 cents to have each
letter delivered. He has also decided that there will be a 1 cent stamp, a 2 cent stamp, a 3 cent stamp and a 10 cent stamp. He needs
to know all of the possible combinations of stamps that could be used to make a total of 10 cents to make sure he orders enough of each
type of stamp. Using a separate piece of paper, list all the possible combinations you can find, and then write a letter to the chief
explaining how you solved the problem and why you know you have all the combinations. Creating a chart might prove useful. GOOD LUCK!
Remember - the explorer's life depends on you.
Douglassville Response Sheet
Dear Chief,
I believe you should allow me to go free because I have solved the problem you presented to me. I solved the problem this way.
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I know I have all the combinations because I made a chart like this to check my work:
Yours truly,
Simple Machine Assignment
We will be constructing machines with the goal of designing a machine which can move a ball
a minimum of ten feet. You may bring any materials you wish from home to construct the
machine, but the machine must be made during assigned class time. Keep in mind some of the
ways we saw simple machines being used in the video when you begin to design your machine.
As a starting point, some items other students have found useful include cardboard tubes, cereal
boxes, blocks of wood, cans, jars, rulers, pencils, books, rolling pins, and shoe boxes.
The following rules must be applied when designing your machine:
1) You must use at least three different simple machines in your design.
2) All materials must be used in their original form. For example, if you use a paper
towel roll, the entire roll must be used and cannot be cut.
3) You may team up with another member of the class if you desire.
4) The following items are the only items allowed to be used to attach the components
of your machine together: glue, rubberbands, paperclips, and brads.
5) Your goal is to design a machine which will move a ball from a standing position a
minimum of ten feet.
6) Have fun and happy designing!
