Students learn how simple machines, including wedges, were used in building both ancient pyramids and present-day skyscrapers. In a hands-on activity, students test a variety of wedges on different materials (wax, soap, clay, foam). Students gain an understanding of how simple machines are used in engineering applications to make our lives and work easier.

Concepts

engineering, mechanical advantage, work, stem, wedges

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Additional Tags

design process, integrated teaching and learning program and laboratory, teachengineering, inclined plane, simple machine, wedge

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 3 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)