Simple Machines!

In science we have been studying simple machines, Students have learned that the scientific definition of work means that you use force to move an object, if the object does not move then no work has been done. For example, if you push as hard as you can on a wall all day and the wall does not move, then no work has been done. It doesn't matter how tired your arms might be! Students have learned that simple machines help make work easier by reducing the amount of effort a person needs to use to move an object. Students have learned about levers, pulleys, wedges, wheels and axles, and inclined planes. We also talked about how friction effects a moving object.  Students got to work in a small group to use a kit to build each kind of simple machine. Students are currently working in small groups creating an informational poster about one  type of simple machine and are using recycled materials that I have collected to try build that simple machine. I am excited about our field trip to the Springfield Science Museum next Tuesday, while we are there we will participate in a hands on class about simple machines. I love it when field trips connect to what we are learning in the classroom. :)

Enjoy these pictures of all the scientists in our classroom hard at work. :)