3rd grade: Studying Forces and Simple Machines

Third Graders are studying forces in this first PLTW unit and so far they have worked in small groups to build simple machines that include wheels and axles, inclined planes, levers and pulleys. They use VEX kits to build the machines. Their knowledge of forces and simple machines will help them build a compound machine to help solve the real world problem of rescuing a (plastic!) tiger out of a moat it fell in at the zoo! 

3rd graders working together to build their simple machines.

At the beginning of class, students have a warm-up question related to the science we are studying that day. They write for 2 minutes and then share their answer with their partner. 

Hard at work building!

Testing out their wheel and axle design. Can it carry a heavy or tall load?