Description
How do people build everything from cars to giant structures? With machines! Learn about the machines that shape our world and start designing the next generation of machines to change the future.
Inventing and Reinventing Machines will introduce students to simple machines such as levers, pulleys, wheels/axles, pulleys, planes, and screws – tools that shaped the development of human societies. After learning about these simple machines, students will learn about some of the machines that make modern life possible (e.g., internal combustion engines and turbines for energy). With an understanding of the machines that shape our world, students will take part in creative challenges to re-imagine and redesign machines to tackle problems of modern life.
This is a Digital Media Academy self-paced learning experience, designed to build foundational knowledge and skills through hands-on, project-based activities and interactive online excercises.
By the end of this course:
Students will be able to…
- Explain what simple machines are and how they work
- Understand the connection between simple machines and modern innovation
- Solve basic problems using knowledge of simple machines
- Invent designs that combine creativity and knowledge of simple and complex machines
Course content
Unit 1 – Simple Machines Changed Our World
Lesson 1: Look Around! How Do We Build Those?
Lesson 2: Spot the Machines
Lesson 3: Simple Machines and How They Work
Unit 2 – Simple Machines Working Together
Lesson 4: Crazy, Simple Machines
Lesson 5-6: Imagining Your Own Ride
Unit 3 – Simple Machine Challenges
Lesson 7: Moving Water Uphill?
Lesson 8: Simple Machine Challenges
Lesson 9: Design and Obstacle Course
Unit 4 – Trasportation of the Future
Lesson 10: Transportation – How It All Works
Lesson 11-12: Future Machines: Creative Thinking
Lesson 13: Future Transportation: Moving People
Lesson 14: Sharing Inventions
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