STEM-Maker Curriculum Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab Inclined Plane Simple Machines A STEM-Maker Level 1 Lesson for System Fluency Educational Objectives After this lesson, students should be able to understand and apply the following concepts: Basic elements of an inclined plane Relationship between force, horizontal distance and vertical distance Calculate mechanical advantage Construct a model inclined plane Conduct an authentic assessment of mathematical predictions and calculations Intrinsic value of the inclined plane and the ability to transfer that knowledge to future applications and solutions Education Standards Next Generation Science Standards 3-5-ETS1-1 MS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-1 3-5-ETS1-2 MS-ETS1-2 HS-ETS1-2 3-5-ETS1-3 MS-ETS1-3 HS-ETS1-3 MS-ETS1-4 HS-ETS1-4 Common Core Standards W.5.7 RST.6-8.1 WHST.6-8.9 W.5.9 RST.6-8.7 RST.11-12.7 MP.2 RST.11-12.8 RST.11-12.9 MP.4 MP.5 SL.8.5 Standards for Technological Literacy 2.K-2 2.3-5 2.6-8 2.9-12 8.K-2 8.3-5 8.6-8 8.9-12 9.K-2 9.3-5 9.6-8 9.9-12 10.K-2 10.3-5 10.6-8 10.9-12
Welcome From basic STEM literacies to 3D solid modeling, Rokenbok STEM-MAKER curriculum was created to help you teach technology, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Rokenbok s STEM- Maker Curriculum guides fun and engaging hands-on project based challenges, and models the progression of fluencies mastered by real designers and engineers. Lesson plans are categorized in three progressive levels for grades 3-12 and align with NGSS and common core state standards. Progression through these levels builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment setting the groundwork for a love of learning, creating and making. System Fluency Creative Fluency Engineering Fluency Step-by-step, single-solution projects introduce Rokenbok materials and how the system works. Realistic design briefs challenge the student to solve a problem based on the skills learned in Level 1. Students add their own design creativity to solve a problem using the Rokenbok system. A more advanced design brief challenges students to design and build custom parts to complete a project. Students use the 3D Virtual Parts Library and 3D solid modeling software to adapt and create their own parts and tools. Table of Contents Level 1 Simple Machines: The Inclined Plane Introduction Introduction... 1 Key Terms... 1 Online Key Search Terms... 1 Building Basics with Rokenbok... 2 Technology and Engineering Bill of Materials...... 3 Building an Inclined Plane... 3-4 Science Concepts What is a Inclined Plane?... 5 Inclined Plane Examples... 5 Math Concepts Calculating Attributes of the Inclined Plane... 6 STEM Challenges Building a Skate Park... 7 Assessment What Have We Learned?... 8
Introduction Introduction This Level 1 project is designed to introduce your students to one of the six simple machines, the inclined plane. Students will learn how the inclined plane works by making their own inclined plane, applying the mathematics behind the inclined plane, as well as learning key terms related to the subject matter. Key Terms Inclined Plane: Simple Machine: Effort: Slope: : Length of Slope: Incline: Slope between two points, like a ramp for example. A device that transmits or modifies force or motion. Force used to move an object over a distance. The difference between the rise over the run in an inclined plane. The vertical distance of an inclined plane. The distance of the slope of an inclined plane. Slanted surface that deviates from a horizontal surface. Online Key Search Terms simple machines mechanical advantage inclined plane ramps slides boat launch wheelchair access switchback highway awnings 1
Building Basics with Rokenbok You will be using the Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover or SnapStack Module for this project. Snapping: Rokenbok building components snap together for a snug fit. It is easier to snap pieces together by angling the beam into the block. Bracing: Use braces to strengthen any Rokenbok build. Girders, 2-way braces, 3-way braces, and corbels are all commonly used for this purpose. Disassemble: Always use the Rokenbok key tool when taking apart pieces. Insert the tab on the key into the engineered slot on each piece and twist slightly. This will protect your fingers and minimize broken pieces. Snapping Bracing Disassemble Take Inventory: It is recommended to take inventory of all components at the end of each build and a complete check at the end of the school year. Replacement pieces can be found online at rokenbok.com/education. Component Care: All building components should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergent and water. 2
Technology & Engineering Building an Inclined Plane Follow the step-by-step instructions to build an inclined plane. Bill of Materials Makes one inclined plane. 12x 2x 2x 11x 4x 2x 4x 1 Build the Base Assembly 2 Build the Incline Assembly 3
Technology & Engineering Building an Inclined Plane Follow the step-by-step instructions to build an inclined plane. 3 Build the Incline Assembly 3 Final Inclined Plane Assembly 4
Science Concepts What is an Inclined Plane? The inclined plane is one of the simple machines. It was used by ancient builders to lift very heavy objects to great heights. The Egyptians used the inclined plane to move the heavy stones for the Pyramids. You can lift a heavy object from the floor to the table, but this requires more effort even though the distance is shorter. (Example A) On the other hand, heavy objects can be lifted by pushing them up an inclined plane or ramp. (Example B) This requires less effort than just lifting, but also requires that the object be moved over a longer distance to reach the table top. This is how mechanical advantage is created by using an inclined plane. (2 feet) Example A Example B Inclined Plane Examples Here are a few of the examples of how the inclined plane is used in common applications. Length of Slope (6 feet) (2 feet) Slides Skate Park Ramps Coasters Roofs Ski Slopes 5
Math Concepts Calculating Attributes of the Inclined Plane The benefit of the inclined plane is based on a scientific concept called, mechanical advantage. By using a simple machine, we can make hard work easier and this makes it possible to build things that we don t have the power to do with just our hands and muscles. The mechanical advantage of the inclined plane allows heavy loads to be raised to levels that would be difficult or impossible to do with human strength alone. Use the formulas below to determine the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane. Formula: Length of Slope The length of slope is measured along the diagonal length of the inclined plane from the lowest point to the highest point. This is determined by using the math formula known as the pythagorean theorem which is: Formula: The height of the inclined plane is simply the measured distance from the lowest point to the highest point along a vertical line. Formula: Mechanical Advantage We can use mathematical formulas and measurements to help determine the mechanical advantage of a machine, including the inclined plane To determine the mechanical advantage of the inclined plane, (Example A), simply divide the length of slope by the height. MA = Length of Slope / So for this example: a 2+ b 2= c 2 Length of Slope (6 feet) / (2 feet) = MA = 3 Length of Slope Length of Slope c 2 b 2 a 2 Load Length of Slope (6 feet) (2 feet) Example A 6
STEM Challenge What Can You Design? These STEM Design and Engineering Challenges are designed to introduce you to the inclined plane and how it can be used to make work easier for many different tasks. Try out the STEM Design and Engineering Challenge below or design your own project using the inclined plane. Building a Skate Park This STEM Challenge is designed to use the inclined plane that you have built and turn it into a fun project. Use your inclined plane to design a cool skate board ramp that will include other ramps and jumps. Use additional Rokenbok building components to build the skate park and to build a skateboard to use in your park. When you have completed your skate park, show it off to your classmates and let them give it a try. You may even want to have a competition to see who can make it through each jump successfully. Other Uses for the Inclined Plane The inclined plane is a very useful simple machine. Not only can the mechanical advantage of an inclined plane be useful in moving heavy loads, it can also be used in many other ways. Some of these include: Access ramps for the physically challenged Chutes and conveyors for manufacturing Plumes and canals 7
Assessment What Have We Learned? 1. Less effort is required to lift a heavy load when using an inclined plane, but the the load must travel is increased. a. size b. weight c. diameter d. length 2. The inclined plane was used by ancient Egyptian builders to construct what famous landmark? a. Suez Canal b. Eiffel Tower c. Pyramids d. Great Wall of China 3. Use the information below to determine the mechanical advantage of the inclined plane. a. MA = 24 b. MA = 2.67 c. MA =.375 d. MA = 11 Length of Slope (8 feet) (3 feet) 4. Which of the following examples is not an inclined plane? a. boat ramp b. slip and slide c. merry go round d. ski slope Mechanical Advantage of an Inclined Plane MA = Length of Slope / MA = 5. Which math formula is used to find the length of slope of an inclined plane? a. (x + y = z) b. 2 r c. d. a 2+ b 2= c 2 length of slope/height Visit Our Entire Curriculum Library rokenbok.com/curriculum Developed in collaboration 8