What Did Students Do This Week?

This week, students explored the world of simple machines and discovered how they make work easier in our everyday lives. Students learned about the six types of simple machines: levers, wedges, inclined planes, screws, pulleys, and wheel-and-axle systems. They investigated how simple machines can change the strength and direction of forces, helping us push, pull, lift, or move objects with less effort.

Using a variety of loose parts and materials, students were challenged to design and build their own device that included at least one simple machine. They selected a real-life object or tool to create and identified which simple machine was being used in their design. Students explained how their simple machine changed force and made a task easier to complete.

Throughout the design process, students planned, built, tested, and improved their creations. They also learned about simple machines used by local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples and discussed how these technologies have supported communities in daily life for generations.

Science Learning Outcomes:

• Explore how simple machines reduce the effort needed to move objects.

• Design and create a device that uses a simple machine.

• Identify how simple machines change the strength and direction of forces.

• Describe the purpose of simple machines used by local First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

I Can Statements:

• I can identify and describe different types of simple machines.

• I can explain how simple machines change the strength or direction of a force.

• I can design and build a device that uses a simple machine.

• I can explain how simple machines are used in everyday life, including by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

Possible Questions to Ask Your Child:

• Which simple machine did you include in your design? (lever, wedge, inclined plane, screw, pulley, or wheel and axle)

• How does your simple machine change force? Does it make pushing or pulling easier?

• What real-life object did you create, and how does it work?

• What challenges did you encounter while building your device, and how did you solve them?

• Why are simple machines important in everyday life?

• Can you name some examples of simple machines used by First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Peoples?