ABOUT THIS GRAPHIC STORY
Section 1 of this story (see below) looks at Simple Machines.
Section 2 looks at Machines that “Think” — see https://ai-ed.ca/machines-that-think
SIMPLE MACHINES
MENU
Let’s learn about simple machines:
- robotics lab (p. 1)
- WEDGE (p. 2)
- INCLINED PLANE (p. 6)
- LEVER (p. 8)
- WHEEL & AXLE (p. 12)
- SCREW (p. 13)
- PULLEY (p. 15)
- make a machine
PAGE 1 – robotics lab
REFLECT
What do you know about simple machines?
- Which of the simple machines do you use most often? For what purpose?
- Wedge
- Inclined plane
- Lever
- Wheel & axles
- Screw
- Pulley
- Which is your favourite simple machine? Why?
PAGE 2 – the wedge
PAGE 3 – so many different wedges!
PAGE 4 – stone age wedges
PAGE 5 – bronze age wedges
REFLECT
What did you learn about the wedge?
- What was most interesting?
- What surprised you?
- What else do you want to know?
PAGE 6 – the inclined plane in ancient Egypt
PAGE 7 – more inclined planes
REFLECT
What did you learn?
- Some incline planes look like wedges? Are they wedges?
- Is a wedge and an inclined planes the same simple machine?
- Why? Or, why not?
- What else do you want to know about inclined planes?
PAGE 8 – the lever
PAGE 9 – the teeter totter lever
PAGE 10 – class 1 and class 2 levers
PAGE 11 – class 3 levers
REFLECT
What did you learn about levers?
- What was most interesting?
- What surprised you?
- What else do you want to know?
PAGE 12 – the wheel & axle in ancient Sumeria
REFLECT
What might have happened if …?
Imagine that wheel & axle were never invented?
How would our civilization have evolved differently?
How would your life be different?
PAGE 13 – the Archimedean water screw
PAGE 14 – screw = incline plane = wedge?
REFLECT
What did you learn about the screw?
- What was most interesting?
- What surprised you?
- What else do you want to know?
PAGE 15 – the pulley
PAGE 16 – what did you learn about simple machines?
REFLECT
What did you learn about simple machines?
- What was most interesting?
- What surprised you?
- What else do you want to know?
MAKE A MACHINE
Search for how to make a paper machine
Conduct an internet search to find instructions on how to make more complex paper-based machines, such as the Windmill (shown below).
continue to … machines that think!