STEM-Maker

Curriculum

Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab

Wedge
Simple Machines

A STEM-Maker Level 1 Lesson for System Fluency

Educational Objectives

After this lesson, students should be able to understand and

apply the following concepts:
Basic elements of a wedge
Relationship between force, horizontal
distance and vertical distance
Calculate mechanical advantage
Construct a model wedge
Conduct an authentic assessment of mathematical
predictions and calculations
Intrinsic value of the wedge and the ability to transfer
that knowledge to future applications and solutions

Education Standards
Next Generation Science Standards

Common Core Standards

Standards for Technological Literacy

3-5-ETS1-1
3-5-ETS1-2
3-5-ETS1-3

W.5.7
W.5.9
MP.2
MP.4

2.K-2 2.3-5 2.6-8 2.9-12

8.K-2
8.3-5
8.6-8
8.9-12
9.K-2 9.3-5 9.6-8 9.9-12
10.K-2 10.3-5 10.6-8 10.9-12

MS-ETS1-1
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
MS-ETS1-4

HS-ETS1-1
HS-ETS1-2
HS-ETS1-3
HS-ETS1-4

RST.6-8.1
RST.6-8.7
RST.11-12.8
MP.5

WHST.6-8.9
RST.11-12.7
RST.11-12.9
SL.8.5

Welcome
From basic STEM literacies to 3D solid modeling, Rokenbok STEM-MAKER curriculum was created
to help you teach technology, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Rokenboks STEMMaker Curriculum guides fun and engaging hands-on project based challenges, and models the
progression of fluencies mastered by real designers and engineers. Lesson plans are categorized
in three progressive levels for grades 3-12 and align with NGSS and common core state standards.
Progression through these levels builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment setting the
groundwork for a love of learning, creating and making.

System Fluency

Step-by-step, single-solution
projects introduce Rokenbok
materials and how the
system works.

Creative Fluency

Realistic design briefs

challenge the student to
solve a problem based on the
skills learned in Level 1. Students
add their own design creativity
to solve a problem using the
Rokenbok system.

Engineering Fluency

A more advanced design brief

challenges students to design
and build custom parts to
complete a project. Students
use the 3D Virtual Parts
Library and 3D solid modeling
software to adapt and create
their own parts
and tools.

Table of Contents

Level 1 Simple Machines: The Wedge

Introduction

Introduction ............................................................................................................................
Key Terms ..............................................................................................................................
Additional Resources ..............................................................................................................
Building Basics with Rokenbok .................................................................................................

Technology and Engineering

Bill of Materials .......................................................................................................................

Building a Wedge .....................................................................................................................

Science Concepts

What is a Wedge? .....................................................................................................................

Wedge Examples ......................................................................................................................

Math Concepts

Calculating Attributes of the Wedge ...........................................................................................

1
1
1
2
3
3-4
5
5
6

STEM Challenges

Building a Golf Chipper ............................................................................................................... 7

Assessment

What Have We Learned? .........................................................................................................

Introduction
Introduction

This Level 1 project is designed to introduce your students to one of the six simple machines,
the wedge. Students will learn how the wedge works by making their own wedge, applying
the mathematics behind the wedge, as well as learning key terms related to the subject
matter.

Key Terms
Wedge:

Simple machine used to separate objects through the use of force.

Simple Machine: A device that transmits or modifies force or motion.

Effort:

Force used to move an object over a distance.

Slope:

The difference between the rise over the run in a wedge.

Width:

The vertical distance of a wedge at the center or widest end

Length of Slope:

The distance of the slope of a wedge.

Incline:

Slanted surface that deviates from a horizontal surface.

Online Key Search Terms

simple machines
mechanical advantage
wedge
knives wood axe door stop
chisels scissors nails

Building Basics with Rokenbok

You will be using the Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover or SnapStack Module for this
project.

Snapping:

Rokenbok building components snap

together for a snug fit. It is easier to snap
pieces together by angling the beam into
the block.
Snapping

Bracing:

Use braces to strengthen any

Rokenbok build. Girders, 2-way
braces, 3-way braces, and corbels are all
commonly used for this purpose.
Bracing

Disassemble:

Always use the Rokenbok key tool when

taking apart pieces. Insert the tab on the
key into the engineered slot on each piece
and twist slightly. This will protect your
fingers and minimize broken pieces.

Disassemble

Take Inventory:

It is recommended to take inventory of all components at the end of each build and
a complete check at the end of the school year. Replacement pieces can be found
online at rokenbok.com/education.

Component Care:

All building components should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergent

and water.

Technology & Engineering

Building a Wedge

Follow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge vehicle.

Bill of Materials

Makes one wedge vehicle.

4x

3x
8x

Build the Base Assembly

Build the Wedge Assembly

4x
3x

6x
2x

Technology & Engineering

Building a Wedge

Follow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge.

Build the Wedge Assembly

Final Wedge Assembly

Science Concepts
What is a Wedge?

The wedge is one of the simple machines that is made

up of two inclined planes. Wedges are used to split
things apart or to hold things together.
The point where the inclined planes come together
creates a sharp edge that can be used to force the
wedge into materials to split or separate them into two
or more pieces. An inclined plane is stationary and the
force parallels the slope, while a wedge is mobile and
the force is applied to the sharp edge of the wedge.

Example A - Single Wedge

Force

A wedge can be created by either one or two inclined

planes. The double wedge is formed when two inclined
planes are joined with the sloping surfaces facing
outward. As the force is applied to the sharp edge of
the wedge, it is forced into the material and causes it to
split in two pieces.

Wedge Examples

Here are a few of the examples of how the wedge is

used in common applications.

Example B - Double Wedge

Axe

Knives

Shoes

Nails

Forks

Chisels

Math Concepts
Calculating Attributes of the Wedge

The benefit of the wedge is based on a scientific concept called mechanical advantage. By using a
simple machine, we can make hard work easier and this makes it possible to build things that we dont
have the power to do with just our hands and muscles. The mechanical advantage of the wedge is
similar to the inclined plane, but a wedge is designed to separate or hold materials, while the inclined
plane is used to lift objects and is stationary.
Use the formulas below to determine the mechanical advantage of an wedge.
Formula: Length of Slope
The length of slope is measured along the diagonal length
of the wedge from the lowest point to the highest point at
the center or bottom of the wedge. This is determined by
using the math formula known as the pythagorean theorem
which is:
a 2+ b 2= c 2

Length of
Slope c 2
b2

Formula: Thickness
The width of the wedge is simply the measured distance
from the lowest point to the highest point along the wide
end of the wedge.

Length of Slope
Width

Formula: Mechanical Advantage

We can use mathematical formulas and measurements to
help determine the mechanical advantage of a machine,
including the wedge To determine the mechanical
advantage of the wedge, (Example A), simply divide the
length of slope by the height.
MA = Length of Slope / Width
So for this example:

a2
Width

Length of Slope
(8 feet)

Length of Slope (8 feet) / Height (4 feet) = MA = 2

Width
(4 feet)

Example A

STEM Challenge
What Can You Design?

These STEM Design and Engineering Challenges introduce you to the wedge and how it can be
used to make work easier for many different tasks. Try out the STEM below or design your own
project using the wedge.

Building a Golf Chipper

This STEM Challenge is designed to use what you

know about the wedge to create a fun new project.
When golfers get close to the green, they need a
special club that will loft the ball into the air and
land softly on the green. This club is called a golf
chipper and uses the design of the wedge to accomplish the desired loft on the ball.
Use additional Rokenbok building components to
build a wedge device that will loft a plastic golf ball
into the air and onto a miniature golf green.
When you have completed your golf chipper,
you can challenge your classmates to a chipping
contest with your new machine.

Other Uses for the Wedge

The wedge is a very useful simple machine. Not only can the mechanical advantage of a wedge
be useful to separate things, it can also be used in many other ways.
Some of these include:

Sledge hammers and jack hammers

Shears, knives, and blades

Pilings and shims

Jack Hammer

Assessment
What Have We Learned?

1.
The difference between a wedge and an inclined plane is that the inclined plane is used to lift
objects while the wedge is designed to ___________ materials.
a. weld

b.
separate
c. lengthen
d. shorten
2.

The wedge is really made of one or two ____________________ .

a. pulleys
b. levers
c. screws
d.
inclined planes

3.

Use the information below to determine the mechanical advantage of the wedge.
a.
MA = 2.4
Length of Slope
b.
MA = 4.8
(12 feet)
c.
MA = .416
d.
MA = 60

Width
(5 feet)

Mechanical Advantage of a Wedge

MA = Length of Slope / Width

4.

Which of the following examples is not a wedge?

a. knife
b.
bicycle wheel
c. axe
d. nail

MA = ________

5.
Which math formula is used to find the length of slope of a wedge?

a.
(x + y = z)
b. 2pr
c.
a 2+ b 2= c 2

d.
length of slope/height

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