Goals

Students will learn and practice collaboration
Students will learn and practice trial and error
Students will apply their knowledge of the theories of physics by building machines with moving parts and predictable actions/reactions
Students will apply their knowledge of the mathematical formulas of physics to check and refine their machine's functions

 

Details

Duration: 120+ minutes

Assessments: Group work

Materials: 2x4s, bases (see picture), hose, toy car tracks, duct tape, glue guns, marbles, saws, hammers, nails, screws, screwdrivers, scissors, string, wire, vicegrips, springs, cardboard, paint, paintbrushes, and all of the junk, tools, and adhesives you can find. See the full list of suggestions in "Resources." Also, a good first aid kit.

 

Description

Students measure, cut, and build their machines based on their conceptual plans. Students should spend 10-20 hours on machine construction. Each machine has 3-5 functions. Each function is a display of a principle of physics, and a metaphor for an aspect of the chosen revolution.

Base Size
This is a picture illustrating a manageable average base size for the Metaphor Machines....
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Example Rules
Our school has the "4 Ps"... Pride, and respect for People, Place, and Purpose, so the workshop rules are framed in this...
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Supply Suggestions
You can use this yourself, or hand it out to students to have them check what basic supplies they will need (after they ...
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Author Reflections

Announce well ahead of time that you are looking for donations, use whatever connections you have in the community, make some trips to junkyards and the like, and work with students while they make their blueprints, keeping in mind what they and you can access in terms of materials. This is an amazing process, especially if students are creative and realistic in the blueprinting process. Make sure to have a brief and essential set of rules for construction & remind often. If you have a woodshop or outdoor area, that is ideal, but our math teacher just did it in her class with large tables. They should be able to think big during blueprinting ad have an environment where they can realistically pull it off. Example: one machine employed a match-lighting mouse trap which ignited the fuse of a smoke bomb (friction) which represented the storming of the Bastille. Electrical bits and batteries and such are also handy... one machine (industrial revolution) ended with a metal ball falling into a casing that completed the circuit to light a light bulb. We thought maybe 20 hours was not enough when we were halfway through, but it turned out well, and it really is the kind of thing that can go on forever if allowed, with little increase in quality. It's a huge timesaver and safety benefit to stay organized, have designated areas for tools, and consequences for carelessness. Be safe & have fun!