Simple Machine Projects and More!

This week was full of exploring simple machines.  As mentioned in our previous post, last week the students worked with the simple machine of their choice.  Each simple machine team chose two different projects to work on.  The teams broke themselves into two groups so each group has their own project. 

Here is a list of our projects.

Pulley:

zip-line and flagpole 

Lever: 

teeter totter and catapult

Wedge: 

Book ends and door stopper

Inclined Plane: 

Stairs and roller coaster hill

Wheel and Axel: 

Ferris wheel and skateboard 

Screw: 

Tornado in a bottle, corkscrew waterside

First, each team did research by looking at the differences of each simple machine.  We made a list together and then students made their list individually in our exploration journals.

Then, we began exploring materials.  We found several things around the classroom that we could use to make our simple machines.  Here are some photos as the students were exploring materials.

 Simple Machine:  Wheel and Axle
Ian and Atticus use donated materials to make a plan for making a Ferris Wheel.
 

Simple Machine:  Pulley
Elizabeth explores materials to make a flag pole.

 Simple Machine:  Wedge
Dana sands and paints pieces of wood to make a set of book ends.

Simple Machine:  Inclined plane
Levi made a set of stairs with donated pieces of wood.
Simple machine: wheel and axle
Nathan found a box and helped cut out the shape of a skateboard.
Then he looked around the classroom to find a couple things that he could use for a wheel and axle.

 
 
Next week we plan to complete our simple machine projects, write about the simple machines and how the help "TRANSPORT" someone or something "from one location to another."   

Be on the look out for our Simple Machines Open House invitation.  We will be hosting an open house Tuesday before school from 8:15-9:00am.  

In addition to working with simple machines, we have been writing our own versions of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" stories.  The students have really used their imaginations while focusing on writing a story with characters, setting, series of events, a problem, and solutions.  These stories will be put into their kindergarten portfolios.  Be sure to look for them at conferences.  

Lastly, Friday we had Irish dancers visit our school.  The students danced around the classroom for the rest of the day.  They were thrilled to see young girls and boys their age dancing.
 
 

We hope to see you at our Simple Machines Open House and at our student-led conferences.  

Take care and we'll see you soon!

Mrs. Julie Atkin