Mechanical Engineering Discovery

Let creativity run wild with a thrilling investigation of mechanical engineering! Starting with step-by-step, hands-on STEM builds to introduce each of the simple machines, learners work towards more advanced concepts as they construct their own creative machines. They investigate levers, pulleys and inclined planes in each of the 12, one-hour lessons.

Get ready to enhance critical thinking skills by immersing learners in every stage of the engineering design process. With built-in reflections and reusable manipulatives, they’ll discover the importance of engineering and be amazed at the structures they design in this collaborative enrichment experience.

Grades: 4-6
Students: Up to 30
Contact Hours: 12+

Subject Targets:

Technology, Engineering Design

Recommended Settings:

• Summer Camps
• Classrooms
• Before & After-School Programs

Each Activity Includes:

• Schedule
• Materials List
• Opening & Closing Discussion
• Step-By-Step Build Instructions
• Topic Background Information & Vocabulary
• Optional Engineering Challenge

Curriculum Topics:

1. Building Skills
2. 1st Class Levers
3. 2nd Class Levers
4. 3rd Class Levers
5. Wheel and Axle
6. Fixed Pulleys
7. Moveable Pulleys
8. Inclined Planes
9. Wedge
10. Worm Gear
11. Complex Machines
12. Design the Ultimate Machine

Product Orientation:

• Half-hour free webinar orientation for purchases of $500+
• One-hour free webinar orientation for purchases of $1000+
• Additional training available for purchase

Complete Program Includes:

Simple Machines comes with all the supplies needed for 30 students to complete 12 one-hour activities:

• Instructor Guide: 1
• Student Build Books: 8
• Storage Tubs: 4
• Bag of Rubberbands: 1
• Inserts (for organizing parts): 8
• Universal II fischertechnik® Kits: 8

Curriculum Printed Copy Includes:

• Instructor Guide: 1
• Student Build Books: 8

Curriculum Digital Download Includes:

Instructor Guide only, which includes master copies of all student pages.

Habits of Mind:

16 thinking habits developed by Art Costa and Bena Kallick to empower students to succeed in a 21st-century learning environment.

• Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations
• Creating, Imagining, Innovating
• Managing Impulsivity
• Persisting
• Striving for Accuracy

21st Century Skills:

A set of widely-applicable abilities essential for success in the information age.

• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Initiative and Self-Direction
• Productivity and Accountability

© 2019 Battelle for Kids. battelleforkids.org. All Rights Reserved. Battelle for Kids was not involved in the production of this product and does not endorse it.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3 Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks.

© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.

Next Generation Science Standards:*

• NGSS 3-5 ETS1-1 Engineering Design
• NGSS 3-5 ETS1-2 Engineering Design

* Next Generation Science Standards and NGSS is a registered trademark of WestEd. Neither WestEd nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this product, and do not endorse it.