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Lesson Plans


RE: art & science - simple machines

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Sears, Ellen (ESears.us)
Wed, 18 Feb 1998 11:22:33 -0500

The illustrator/cartoonist was Rub Goldberg. I happened across a set of
postcards that had his illustrations. I shared them with the middle
school science teacher who created his simple machine assessment based
on Goldberg's illustrations. The teacher set up three tasks, the kids
had to use several specific simple/complex machines to complete one task
and write a paper to accompany the illustration. (Think of the old mouse
trap game.) They used several cartooning techniques as well as
perspective on room interiors. The illustrations were done in colored
pencil, marker or watercolor.
There is a Rube Goldberg competition in the US every year.
Science and Children had an article last year about the same type of
activity where the kids actually made the machines.
There is a sculptor/company in Louisville that creates movable
sculptures -
Krinkum Krankum (I think...)
So much fun.....
Ellen

> ----------
> From: Robert Nickelson
> Sent: Friday, February 13, 1998 12:03 AM
> To: Louise; artsednet.edu
> Subject: Re: art & science
>
> Lousie wrote the following:
>
> I have been teaching a lesson on simple machines to 2ond graders.
> First we are mechanics. We talk about wheel and axles, pulleys, etc.
> Then we tear apart broken machines that I have collected all
> year...safety glasses of course! (Cut off all electric cords first)
> We look for the simple machines within the appliance and put in
> categories. The next week we are inventors...on PAPER. Using the
> things we saw from the mechanic part of the lesson, we think of time
> or labor saving devices and DRAW those inventions.
>
>
> Louise,
> How about inventing machines that are very complicated and involved
> (small animals might even be a source of power) to do very simple --
> everyday things like opening or closing a door turning on or off a
> light...
>
> Then have the students get into groups and create the real proto-type
> model...
>
> There was a cartoonist who drew such inventions... It is lot of fun.
>
> Bob
>
>
> Robert Nickelson
> Payson Middle School
> 851 West 450 South
> Payson, Utah 84651
> (801) 465-6040
> NBob
>