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1 Mechanisms
Introduction
Mechanisms are the basic components of most machines and consist of gears,
sprockets, pulley systems, and simple machines. The effective use and
understanding of mechanisms has contributed to the improvement and development
of technology and society for thousands of years. The first uses of mechanisms can
be seen in the development of Paleolithic tools used for hunting, gathering, and
shelter construction. Today, mechanisms can be found in everyday life from the
basic components of a bicycle to the high-tech equipment used in the medical
industry.
Engineers and scientists use mechanisms to manipulate speed, distance, force, and
function to meet a wide range of design and application requirements. Engineering
design applications range from large-scale manufacturing equipment to small-scale
electrical equipment found in automobiles, homes, and offices. Due to the wide
range of applications involving mechanisms, it is important that designers and end
users understand the characteristics, applications, and limitations of mechanisms.
In Lesson 1.1 Mechanisms, students will gain an understanding of mechanisms
through the application of theory-based calculations accompanied by lab
experimentation.
Understandings
1. Engineers and engineering technologists apply math, science, and disciplinespecific skills to solve problems.
2. Engineering and engineering technology careers offer creative job opportunities
for individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and goals.
3. Technical communication can be accomplished in oral, written, and visual forms
and must be organized in a clear and concise manner.
4. Most mechanisms are composed of gears, sprockets, pulley systems, and simple
machines.
5. Mechanisms are used to redirect energy within a system by manipulating force,
speed, and distance.
6. Mechanical advantage ratios mathematically evaluate input work versus output
work of mechanisms.
Essential Questions
1 Why is it important to begin considering career paths during high school?
2 What career opportunities are available to match your specific interests?
3 What are some current applications of simple machines, gears, pulleys, and
sprockets?
4 What are some strategies that can be used to make everyday mechanisms more
efficient?
5 What are the trade-offs of mechanical advantage related to design?
6 Why must efficiency be calculated and understood during the design process?
Day-by-Day Plans
Time: 17 days
Performance-Based Assessment (Optional):
Teacher Preparation
In preparation for teaching this lesson, read the Lesson 1.1 Teacher Notes.
Determine whether students will record their notes in a daily journal, portfolio, or
their engineering notebook. For purposes of written directions in the day-by-day
for each lesson in this course, it is assumed that students will record their notes
in a journal. The journal may be a three-ring binder, spiral bound notebook, or
electronic.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
To provide a lesson overview, present Concepts, Key Terms, and Essential
Questions.
Present 1.1.1.A.a SimpleMachinesLeverWheelandAxlePulley.pptx.
Students will take notes during the presentation in their journals.
Assign problems 117 in 1.1.2.A Simple Machines Practice Problems.
Days 4 8
Present 1.1.1.A.b Simple Machine - Inclined Plane, Wedge, and Screw.ppt.
o For the portion of the presentation on screws, be sure to refer to 1.1.2.A.a
Understanding Thread Notes.
Students will take notes during the presentation in their journals.
Assign problems 1830 in 1.1.2.A Simple Machines Practice Problems.
Distribute, explain, and assign Activity 1.1.1 Simple Machine Investigation (VEX)
and Logger Pro Resource.
NOTE: The Simple Machine Investigation activity is designed for teams of two to
construct each simple machine. Various ways exist to complete this activity
based upon time available and student needs.
Day 9
Collect Activity 1.1.2 Simple Machines Practice Problems for assessment, check
conclusion questions for completion, and lead a class discussion using those
questions to assess students.
Present the GearsPulleyDrivesSprockets.ppt.
Students will take notes during the presentation in their journals.
Day 10
Distribute, explain, and assign Activity 1.1.3 Gears (VEX).
Students will individually complete Activity 1.1.3 Gears and the conclusion
questions.
Students will document their design ideas generated for Activity 1.1.3 Gears in
their journals.
Day 11
Review and collect Activity 1.1.3 Gears for assessment.
Check the conclusion questions for completion and lead a class discussion using
those questions to assess students.
Distribute, explain, and assign Activity 1.1.4 Pulley Drives and Sprockets.
Students will individually complete Activity 1.1.4 Pulley Drives and Sprockets and
the conclusion questions.
Distribute, explain, and assign Activity 1.1.5 Gear, Pulley Drives, and Sprocket
Practice Problems.
Day 12
Review and collect Activity 1.1.5 Simple Machines Practice Problems and Gears,
Pulley Drives, and Sprockets Practice Problems for assessment.
Check the conclusion questions for completion and lead a class discussion using
those questions to assess students.
Introduce students to Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design (VEX).
Give students a copy of Project 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design Rubric to
review and return for evaluation with their final documentation and design.
Days 13 17
In teams of four, students will design, build, and test their solutions to Problem
1.1.6 Compound Machine Design.
Evaluate Problem 1.1.6 Compound Machine Design.