A Time for Simple Machines

A WWW Activity

What was the time, what was the date, what was the year, what was the century? These are questions that cannot be answered about most of the simple machines so place yourself back in time when machines were not known to man - until YOU invented a simple machine.

Look at the illustration of the machine that you invented. You are very proud of your invention and want to obtain a patent for it. Before you can apply for a patent, you hear of five other recent simple machine inventors applying for patents. The Simple Machines Patent Selection Committee will select the first simple machine to receive a patent based on the one that will benefit the most people.

You believe that your simple machine will benefit more people than any of the other simple machines, and you want to be the first one to receive a patent. Just look at all the time it saves and how much easier it is to do things. You are determined to prove its importance by convincing the patent committee that your simple machine is #1 and should receive a patent before any of the others! You will collect information about your simple machine by visiting the Simple Machine sites on the WWW that are listed below.

Researching Simple Machines on the WWW.

Now that you are at the Simple Machines Lesson site on the WWW, begin collecting information about your simple machine. You will be asked three things to complete on the patent application about your simple machine.

1. Describe what your simple machine looks like.
2. Describe how your simple machine works.
3. Describe how your simple machine is used to make work easier.

   Take notes that you think will help make a good impression on the Simple Machines Patent Examiners.

   Go to the following sites to get your information:

   • Simple Machines InQuiry Almanck: A machine is a tool used to make work easier. Simple machines are simple tools used to make work easier.
   • Simple Machines WebQuest: In this WebQuest you will learn definitions and to identify examples of simple machines.
   • WORK IS SIMPLE WITH SIMPLE MACHINES: Students participating in this project will investigate simple machines and their usefulness in everyday life.
   • The Elements of Simple Machines: These devices were all in common use for centuries before Leonardo's time. Each one makes work easier to do.
   • Simple Machine Page For Kids: Discusses the use of each of the six simple machines.
   • Simple Machines: This page gives some basic information.
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   After you take notes from the WWW, refer to the Simple Machines Patent Application below. Write a rough draft of the information that you will include on the application. You will be given a copy of the application for the simple machine patent that you are required to complete. Write the final draft on the application form.

   
   
   
   

   Simple Machines Patent Application

   Name _______________________________ Date__________________
   Address ___________________________________________________
   Occupation _________________________________________________

   Name of the simple machine ____________________________________

   1. Describe what the simple machine looks like (a mental picture).
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   2. Describe how the simple machine works.
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   3. Describe how your simple machine is used to make work easier.
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   Other Fun Simple Machine Sites:
   

   • Making Physics Fun

   
   
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