Science 8 Simple Machines Project

As part of our investigation during science 8, we have been discussing various simple
machines along with a variety of mathematical quantifiers. Your task is to highlight one
of the mechanical systems, along with the mathematical quantifiers that go along with
the simple machine that you choose.
You are able to present your findings in any way that comes to mind. Please run your
idea by me before you start. Some ideas include (but not limited to): brochure, poster,
video clip, Prezi, etc. The task is divided into three parts:
Part 1: Choose a simple machine from the textbook and your project should include:
-

machine name
machine description
uses for the machine
how the machine will make life easier or more entertaining
durability and quality of the machine
models/ modifications available

Rubric 1 shows how you will be graded for part 1. You will have one class period to
research your simple machine.
Part 2: This part of your project needs to include:
-

mechanical advantage of your simple machine

speed ratio
efficiency
calculations of the quantifiers
diagram of simple machine

Rubric 2 shows how you will be grade for part 2. We will cover the information needed to
do the calculations in Chapter 2 and you will have two more class periods to complete
your project.
Part 3: Complete the following questions on a separate piece of paper. They are to be
completed on your own time. The questions are to be handed in with your simple machine
project. The questions are worth 15 marks.
1. A pulley is going to be used to help you hang up a basketball net at your school. Which of
the following are appropriate criteria for evaluating the different types of pulleys
available? Explain your answers. (7 marks)
a. How well does the device do its job?
b. How efficient is the device?
c. Is the device waterproof?
d. Are there any negative side effects to using this device?
e. How reliable is the device?
f. Is the device disposable?
g. Does the device come in a wide variety of colours?

2. What personal and societal factors influenced the changes in devices used to open
aluminum cans? (2 marks)
3. Give an example of the role that trial and error can play in technology development.(2
marks)
4. Do you think cars will use the same kind of engine in the future as they do now? Why or
why not? (2 marks)
5. Describe two ways that the environment could affect the development of new technology.
(2 marks)

Your simple machine project needs to be completed by Monday, April 20th, 2015. On this day,
you will do a peer review of classmates projects and make final tweaks to your own project. The
final copy will be handed in to Mrs. Peters on Wednesday, April 22 nd, 2015. If you have a digital
copy, please email it to dani.peters@outlook.com.

You will also peer-review each others simple machine project at the end of the unit. If
you have any questions about Simple Machines Project, please talk to Mrs. Peters about
it! Good Luck!

Simple Machines Project Peer Review

Name? ______________________
Whos project are you peer-reviewing? __________________________
Place a check mark in the box that describes the project you are peer reviewing. Got it means
that your partner has met all the criteria. Almost there means that a few changes need to be
made to that section. Not yet means that your partner has not done this section or it is
incomplete.
Criteria
Precise description of the machine
Comprehensive list of uses of the machine
Insightful summary of the efficiency and effectiveness of the machine
In-depth analysis of the durability and quality of the machine
Insightful summary of the modifications available
Accurate calculations for mechanical advantage
Accurate calculations for speed ratio
Accurate calculations for efficiency
Explanation as to why efficiency is 100% (if it was calculated to be 100%)
Diagram labelling where your input distance, output distance, input force and output
force are

Got
it!

Almos
t there

Not
yet

Rubric 1: Simple Machines Project

Level

4
Excellent

3
Proficient

2
Adequate

1
Limited*

Criteria
Machine
name and
description

Provides a
precise
description of the
machine

Uses of the
machine

Provides a
comprehensive
list of uses of the
machine
Provides an
insightful
summary of the
efficiency and
effectiveness of
the machine

Efficiency
and
effectivenes
s of the
machine
Durability
and quality
of the
machine

Provides an indepth analysis of

the durability and
quality of the
machine

Modification
s Available

Provides an
insightful
summary of the
modifications
available

Provides a logical Provides a

description of the partially
machine
correct
description of the
machine
Provides a
Provides a partial
substantial list
list of uses of the
of uses of the
machine
machine
Provides a
Provides a
thoughtful
simplistic
summary of the
summary of the
efficiency and
efficiency and
effectiveness of
effectiveness of
the machine
the machine

Provides a
confusing
description of the
machine

Provides a
considerable
analysis of the
durability and
quality of the
machine
Provides a
thoughtful
summary of the
modifications
available

Provides an
incomplete
analysis of the
durability and
quality of the
machine
Provides a weak
summary of the
modifications
available

Provides a partial
analysis of the
durability and
quality of the
machine
Provides a
simplistic
summary of the
modifications
available

Provides an
incomplete list of
uses of the
machine
Provides a weak
summary of the
efficiency and
effectiveness of the
machine

Insufficien
t
or
Blank*
No score is
awarded
because there is
insufficient
evidence of
student
performance
based on the
requirements of
the assessment
task.

Rubric 2: Simple Machines Project

Level

4
Excellent

3
Proficient

Mechanical
Advantage
Calculation

Provides accurate
calculations for
mechanical
advantage with no
errors

Provides partially
accurate
calculations for
mechanical
advantage with
one error

Speed Ratio

Provides accurate

2
Adequate

1
Limited*

Criteria
Provides
partially
accurate
calculations for
mechanical
advantage with a
few errors
Provides partially Provides partially

Provides confusing
calculations for
mechanical
advantages with
several errors
Provides confusing

Insufficien
t
or
Blank*
No score is
awarded
because there is
insufficient
evidence of
student
performance
based on the
requirements of
the assessment

Calculation

Efficiency
Calculation

Diagram

calculations for
speed ratio with
no errors

accurate
calculations for
speed ratio with
one error
Provides accurate Provides partially
calculations for
accurate
efficiency with no calculations for
errors
efficiency with
one error
Provides an
Provides a
innovative
practical
diagram of the
diagram of the
simple machine
simple machine

accurate
calculations for
speed ratio with a
few errors
Provides partially
accurate
calculations for
efficiency with a
few errors
Provides a
simplistic
diagram of the
simple machine

calculations for
speed ratio with
several errors
Provides confusing
calculations for
efficiency with
several errors
Provides a
haphazard
diagram of the
simple machine

task.