S.T.E.M. 6-12
Simple Machines
We are excited to introduce our new materials that will help you support the study of simple machines! Simple machines are commonly studied as part of an effort to stimulate children’s natural curiosity and potential ingenuity. Simple machines are literally simple tools invented by humans to efficiently accomplish physical tasks that require a lot of force, using minimal effort. For this, humans utilize the laws of physics such as force and motion. Our materials consist of six premium-quality wooden models that are built to withstand extensive usage: Motion Converter, Gear Rack, Fulcrum Balance, Lever, Pendulum, and Block and Tackle.
Materials
- Motion Converter Model
- Gear Rack Model
- Fulcrum Balance Model
- Lever Model
- Pendulum Model
- Block and Tackle Model
Related product: Simple Machines Mini Bulletin Board Set, Gears Puzzle
Motion Converter
The Motion Converter Model consists of two identical gears built on a base and attached to an arm with a stick. The principle of this simple machine is to demonstrate how rotary motion can be converted into linear motion. Rotating one gear applies force on a second gear which moves the bar at the end of the opposite side of the gears. Differently sized gears would result in faster or stronger motion. This is an interesting fact that children can experience by building their own “motion converter” using cardboard and brass fasteners.
Made in Thailand
Gear Rack
The Gear Rack presents similar characteristics as the Motion Converter. It consists of one large gear sitting on a teethed stick that slides in a groove as the gear is rolled. Gears are present in numerous mechanical devices and serve as torquing tools. However, the aim of the Gear Rack is to demonstrate how cogs (teeth) interlocking into one another can create motion and apply force with minimal effort. The magnitude of a wheel will greatly affect the force applied, which leaves room for further exploration.
Fulcrum Balance
The Fulcrum Balance exemplifies how effort and load can be used together to create an equilibrium in which both forces are balanced. These principles are also explored when working with levers. The material consists of a long bar pinned to a stack that sits on a large base. Learners are invited to use two identical weights to find the perfect amount of force on each side to balance the bar. A red line serves as a control and confirms that the two weights have been perfectly placed on each end. This exercise requires concentration, control of movements, and precision!
Lever
A lever is pretty amazing and is used in everyday life: scizors, pliers, staplers, hole punchers, seesaw, wheelbarrel, hockey stick, rake… The material consists of a wooden arm affixed to vertical board sitting on a large base. There are different increments which allow learners to explore how moving the “arm” affects the amount of effort needed to lift a load on the other end of the arm. The shorter the distance from the effort to the fulcrum point, the more effort is required. The longer the distance between the effort and the fulcrum point, the lesser the effort. There are three different classes of lever, which again provide topics for further research and experimentation.
Class 1
Pendulum
A swing is a perfect example of a pendulum. The Pendulum Model consists of a pivot point at the top of a vertical board, and a mass attached to a rigod arm swinging from the pivotal point. The purpose of a Pendulum Model is to observe and measure the time that it takes for the mass to move from one side to another. This movement is called a cycle. The length of the string or arm of the pendulum affects the time it takes for a mass to travel from one side to another. The force of gravity also affects the motion over time which can easily be observed by learners experimenting with the material. Again, learners can be encouraged to create their own pendulum using strings of different lengths and measure the affect of the length on the time it takes for a mass to complete a cycle.
Block and Tackle
Block and Tackle is a form of pulley system that uses fixed and movable pulleys. The material consists of two grooved wheels on top of a wooden arm, and two grooves wheels one top of a movable base which serves as load to lift. This model of pulley system is helpful in measuring how adding pulleys help ease the work. There are many experiments that can be conducted using the Block and Tackle model. With the help of a spring scale, learners measure the weight of the load after increasing the number of pulleys involved.
Wheel and Axle
Our Wheel and Axle is a great example of what is called a compound machine, which is the combination of two or more simple machines. Wheel and Axle helps understand how effort (force input) and load (force output) are measured (mechanical force) and observe how using a wheel and axle makes work easier. The Wheel and Axle can be compared to a crane with a load being lifted (rectangular prism) with the help of what serves as a cranck or an axle (cylinder).
You can expect lots of enthusiasm from working with our new Simple Machine models! These permanent models illustrate and encourage learners to experiment and make discoveries by researching real-life uses for simple machines and by creating their own model. The high quality of our materials ensures reliable durability and an excellent sensorial experience. For more S.T.E.M. materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
