Name: Class:

Date:Compound Machine – Home ProjectMr. Pistell

Challenge: Build a compound machine out of household materials.

(compound machine: A combination of 2 or more simple machines)

The 6 Simple Machines (and Example Household Materials You Could Use)

Inclined Plane (books or any other flat surface that could become a ramp)

Lever (ruler or any rigid beam, with any fulcrum)

Pulley (wrap a string around a wheel)

Wheel and Axle (use any wheel you have at home)

Screw (screw, drill, corkscrew, etc.)

Wedge (any triangular object – be careful with sharp objects!)

Details of Challenge: Think of this challenge as the “sequel” to the Rube Goldberg machine. This time, instead of focusing on transfers of energy, you will focus on combining simple machines. You do not need to combine all 6 simple machines, but you should have at least 3 simple machines that work together to accomplish a task, such as moving a load, slicing a block of cheese, or turning a screwdriver. The compound machine should be hand-powered (your hand should provide the starting force), not electric or motorized.

Step 1 – In class – Make a blueprint

Step 2 – At home – Build the machine and videotape it/take a picture of it

Step 3 – In class – Present your work

If you choose to make a video, please explain where each of the simple machines is, and how they work together to make a compound machine.

If you choose to take a picture of your machine, be sure to appear in the picture, and attach an explanation of where each of the simple machines is, and how they work together to make a compound machine.

Video or Picture Rubric:

1 Point – Below Standards / 2 Points – Approaching Standards / 3 Points – Meeting Standards / 4 Points – Beyond Standards
Number of simple machines in the compound machine / 1 simple machine / 2 simple machines / 3 simple machines / 4+ simple machines
Complexity of final machine / The machine was too short and didn’t take a long time to build / The machine was fairly easy to build, and is of medium length / The machine was somewhat challenging to build, and is fairly long / The machine took great effort and time to build, and so it’s very complex
Explanation of Simple machines (in video) / Student does not explain which simple machines are in the compound machine / Student mentions which simple machines are in the compound machine / Student explains the contribution of each simple machine / Student explains the contribution of each simple machine and how they work together