Simple Machines (Position & Motion of Objects)
Students will be able to use and build five simple machines (lever, wedge, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane and screw). Each student will be able to demonstrate how simple machines can reduce effort and force. Students will be able to identify tools and gadgets which are actually simple machines.
Wind Cars Force & Motion
The focus of this lab is predicting and explaining the motion of objects. Using LEGO models, each team will be able to demonstrate that things move only when something moves them and that things keep moving until something stops them (Newton's First Law of Motion). This program provides an in-depth study of the science behind simple machines and all other machines with the focus being on Work, Force and Distance. Students will be able to describe the effects of gravity, friction, and air pressure on objects.
Architecture
Students design and build a model of a pyramid, pagoda, and castle. Students compare and contrast the differences between structures based on the culture each represents. This is a great program for world history classes.
DaVinci I
Students will build various machines invented by Leonardo DaVinci (1452-1519). These include his Rotating Bridge, Odometer, and File Maker. This series of fun projects makes history come alive.
Mars Rovers
Using LEGOs, students design and build their own unique Mars Rovers, based on the real NASA rover that landed on Mars January 2004. Students build the rover according to given design challenges which set specific limits. These can include a certain weight, or with a certain number of parts, or rovers that operate at certain speeds, or withstand certain conditions.Students then use their rovers to explore a completely new environment, just as scientists explore the strange surface of Mars.
