Simple Machines-Playground Equipment

Today, we are going to embark on an exciting journey into the world of simple machines! Simple machines are the foundation of many of the things we use in our everyday lives, from the doorknobs we turn to the cars we drive. In this unit, we will explore the six types of simple machines: levers, pulleys, inclined planes, wedges, screws, and wheels and axles. We will learn how these machines work and how they make our lives easier.

What are simple machines?

Simple machines are basically devices that make our work easier. They change the force, direction, or speed of motion to make it easier for us to do things. For example, a lever helps us lift heavy objects, a pulley helps us raise objects with less effort, an inclined plane helps us move objects up or down a slope, a wedge helps us split objects apart, a screw helps us join objects together, and a wheel and axle help us move objects with less friction.

What is a playground?

A playground is a place where children can play and have fun outdoors. Playgrounds are typically equipped with various play structures, such as swings, slides, sandboxes, and climbing structures. Playgrounds are important for children's physical, social, and emotional development.

How are simple machines used on playgrounds?

Simple machines are used in many of the play structures on playgrounds. For example, levers are used in seesaws and merry-go-rounds, pulleys are used in jungle gyms, inclined planes are used in slides, wedges are used in climbing structures, screws are used in swings and monkey bars, and wheels and axles are used in merry-go-rounds and swings.

In this unit, we will:

• Learn about the six types of simple machines.
• Explore how simple machines work.
• Design and build a playground that incorporates simple machines.

• Cardboard boxes
• Cardboard tubes
• Straws
• Popsicle sticks
• Paper cups
• Tape
• Glue
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Markers
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Swing -Base: Cardboard box, thick cardstock, wooden or plastic rulers, duct tape,glue.Seat: Backpack, sturdy cloth bag, strong plastic bag, rope or straps.Hanging Mechanism: Strong rope or cord, metal rings or loops, clothes hangers, plastic bottles 

SeesawBase: Sturdy cardboard boxes, wooden planks, rulers, duct tape, glue.Fulcrum: Strong dowel rod, metal pipe, thick cardboard tube, duct tape.Seats: Backpacks, sturdy bags, thick fabric, rope or strong straps.

(Day 1):

1. Start with a fun activity! Take students on a virtual or real-world tour of a playground and have them identify different examples of simple machines used in the equipment (e.g., seesaw lever, merry-go-round wheel and axle, slide inclined plane).
2. Introduce the six simple machines: Show pictures or demonstrations of each simple machine and explain how they work to change the direction or magnitude of a force. Use clear and age-appropriate language.

Design and Planning (Day 2):

1. Challenge students: Divide them into teams and present the challenge: to design and build a miniature playground equipment model using at least two different simple machines. Encourage creativity and variety!
2. Brainstorming session: Each team should brainstorm ideas for their playground equipment, considering the types of simple machines they could use, the function of the equipment, and the target audience (e.g., younger children, older children, children with disabilities).
3. Sketching and planning: Teams should sketch their designs on paper, labeling the simple machines they plan to use and highlighting any specific features or mechanisms.

Building and Testing (Day 3-4):

1. Construction time! Teams will use the provided materials to build their miniature playground equipment models based on their designs. Encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptation as needed.
2. Testing and evaluation: Once built, teams should test their equipment with small toys or other objects to see if it functions as intended. They should also evaluate the effectiveness of the simple machines used and identify any areas for improvement.
3. Reflection and revision: Teams should discuss their successes and challenges during the building and testing process. They can then make adjustments or improvements to their models based on their findings.

Presentation and Assessment (Day 5):

1. Show and tell! Each team will present their miniature playground equipment to the class, explaining their design choices, the simple machines used, and the challenges they encountered.
2. Peer assessment: Teams can use a rubric to assess each other's presentations, focusing on creativity, functionality, use of simple machines, and overall presentation skills.
3. Self-reflection: Students can individually reflect on their learning experience through writing or discussion. They can consider what they learned about simple machines, the challenges of working in a team, and their overall satisfaction with their project.

• For a cardboard box base, reinforce the sides and bottom with duct tape.Add additional cardboard layers for extra strength.
• For a cardstock base, create layers and join them with sturdy tape or glue.Use rulers or wooden planks for support if needed.
• Attach metal rings or loops to the corners of the base for secure hanging.

Seat Design:

• If using a backpack, adjust the straps to create a comfortable seating position. Secure the straps to the base with strong rope or duct tape.
• For cloth or plastic bag seats, reinforce the bottom and attach strong handles or ropes for suspension. Tie the ropes securely to the base.
• Consider adding padding or insulation to the seat for increased comfort.

Hanging Mechanism:

• Thread the rope or cord through the metal rings on the base and tie a secure knot.
• Choose a sturdy branch or beam to hang the swing from. Ensure it can safely support the weight of the swing and users.
• Alternatively, create a hanging frame using strong materials like broomsticks or PVC pipes. Securely attach the rope to the frame for hanging.

Testing and Refining:

• Carefully test the swing with an empty seat first. Check for stability,strength, and safety of the connections.
• Gradually add weight to the seat and observe its performance. Adjust or reinforce components as needed.
• Encourage students to decorate their swings with paint, markers, or recycled materials.

Base Construction:

• For cardboard box bases, join multiple boxes together to create a wider,stable platform. Reinforce the sides and bottom with duct tape.
• For a wooden plank base, ensure the planks are thick and sturdy enough to support two riders. Secure them together with clamps or strong tape.
• Attach a dowel rod, metal pipe, or cardboard tube at the center of the base as the fulcrum. Secure it firmly with duct tape or clamps.

Seat Design:

• If using backpacks, adjust the straps for comfortable seating. Tie the straps securely to the platform on either side of the fulcrum.
• For fabric or bag seats, reinforce the bottom and attach strong handles or ropes for suspension. Tie the ropes securely to the platform on either side of the fulcrum.
• Consider adding padding or insulation to the seats for increased comfort.

Optional Decorations:

• Let students personalize their seesaws with paint, markers, or recycled materials. Encourage creativity and artistic expression.

Platform Construction:

• For cardboard box bases, join multiple boxes together to create a circular platform. Reinforce the sides and bottom with duct tape.
• For a cardstock base, create layers and join them with sturdy tape or glue.Use rulers or wooden planks for support if needed.
• Secure the central axle in the center of the platform. Ensure it is firmly attached and can handle rotation without wobbling.

Seating Design:

• If using backpacks, adjust the straps for comfortable seating. Secure the straps to the platform around the axle, creating equally spaced seats.
• For cloth or plastic bag seats, reinforce the bottom and attach strong handles or ropes for suspension. Tie the ropes securely to the platform around the axle, maintaining equal spacing.
• Consider adding padding or insulation to the seats for increased comfort.

Base and Supports:

• For cardboard box bases, join multiple boxes together to create a wider, stable platform. Reinforce the sides and bottom with duct tape.
• For a wooden plank base, ensure the planks are thick and sturdy enough to support the slide's weight. Secure them together with clamps or strong tape.
• Attach strong cardboard tubes, PVC pipes, or broomsticks to the base at the desired angle to create the slide support structure. Secure them firmly with duct tape or clamps.

Slide Surface:

• Choose large, durable plastic bags or tarpaulins to create the slide surface. Ensure they are long enough for the desired sliding distance.
• Secure the plastic bags or tarpaulins to the support structure using strong duct tape or packing tape. Overlap and reinforce the seams for extra strength.
• Consider adding a layer of cardboard or other cushioning material under the plastic for additional comfort and protection.