The Way Things Work

Written by: 

Emma Chiera, Ali Warton, Kerrie Opray, Cinzia Angelico, Sarah Cooper, Kim Bride & Susan Grigg

Boroondara Park P.S.
           
Introduction Task Resources Process Evaluation Conclusion
       

Introduction
 

Your group has been invited to make a guest appearance on 'The New Inventors' program (ABC, Wednesday 8:30pm).  The program has been re-vamped!  It is introducing a new segment where children are asked to present an invention along with a patent application.  The panel will select the invention that can be used in either the kitchen, bathroom or the garden to make life easier. 

Your invention will be showcased at the Boroondara Park P.S. Inventors Expo to be held on Wednesday, June 18  in the school hall. 

 

Task
 

There will be five parts to your challenge;

 

  1. Create a Mind Map that is continually added to.

  2. Research different types of simple machines and the patent process

  3. Design a complex machine and apply for a patent

  4. Construct a complex machine

  5. Present your invention and evaluate your performance.
You need to assign a leader to each part of the challenge.  You need to assign the roles of Researcher, Designer, Construction Manager and Presenter.  The leader will be responsible for keeping the group on track, allocating tasks and reporting to the Patent Attorney on the groups progress. 

 

Resources

TERM PLANNER

WEBSITES

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE: Simple Machines

EDHEADS: Simple Machines

BRAINPOP: Simple Machines

FLYING PIG: Mechanisms

Inventor's Toolbox - The Elements of Machines: Simple Machines

Exploring Leonardo Homepage

ABC - The Inventors

How to Mind Map

Habits of Mind Website

Tony Ryan's Thinkers Keys

 

SOFTWARE

The Way Things Work  Dorling Kindersley, London, 1998

Pinball Science Dorling Kindersley, London

The Encyclopedia of Science Dorling Kindersley, London

THINKIN' SCIENCE ZAP! The Science of Light, Sound and Electricity EDMARK, Australia, 1999

SPEAKERS

Patent and Trade Mark Attorney - Mr Marcus Bolger

 

INVESTIGATIONS

The Inclined Plane

The Screw

The Wedge

Data Sheets

VIDEOS

Push & Pull - Simple Machines at Work 

(VIDEO, 20 mins)

The Secret Life of Machines - Radio, Video Recorder, Telephone, Quartz Watch (VIDEO)

'The New Inventors' program (ABC, Wednesday 8:30pm)

BOOKS

'Learn About the World of Physics' Series

Wheel, Pulleys and Gears & Levers - Connections 5

'How It Works Series'

OTHER...

SIMPLE MACHINES KITS - Science Store

Gears Kit - Science Store

Pulleys - Science Store

 

 

 

Process

 

Before you begin any part of the challenge, your group needs to compose a set of guidelines or rules that each member of your group agrees to abide by.  Use the cooperative skills rubric as a guide.

Stage One

Firstly, each member of the group must begin the construction of their 'The Way Things Work' Mind Map.  The Mind Map will be the tool through which you record what you currently know about machines and energy and anything you learn along the way.  Each member will produce their own Mind Map.

Stage Two

Secondly, as a group, you need to use the resources to RESEARCH different types of simple machines (lever, wedge, inclined plane, pulley, screw and wheel and axle).  You will read about them, see animations of them in action, and see how they have already been used in other people's inventions.  You will also use the simple machines kits to conduct experiments using each simple machine.  You will also need to investigate the application process for a patent.  The things you learn through this research will be recorded on your  Mind Map.

Stage Three

Your group must use the INVENTION KEY to DESIGN an invention (complex machine) and apply for a patent.  The invention must include at least two of the simple machines you discovered.  It must meet the appropriate specifications.  The  Invention Specification List details what dimensions your invention must fit and the list of materials that are permitted for use.

Your group will submit the designs of your proposed invention and a Invention Application Form to the "PATENT ATTORNEY."  The design needs to be drawn from three different perspectives.  The Design Specification List details the criteria for each diagram.  When it is approved you will build a working model of your invention.

Stage Four

Your group must use the CONSTRUCTION KEY and your designs to CONSTRUCT your invention.  Don't forget to test your invention as you go and make the necessary changes and record any new understandings on your mind map. 

Stage Five

Each member of the group will need to record the steps taken to construct your invention as a procedural text.  Use the Procedural Text Checklist to help you plan and write.

Before your group presents, please make sure you have met all the criteria; 

  • the invention will make life easier in either the kitchen, bathroom or garden
  • the invention fits the specified dimensions
  • the invention has been constructed using the appropriate materials
  • the invention has been tested and the necessary changes have been made
  • the patent application and designs are complete and ready for submission

Stage Six

Finally, your group will PRESENT your invention and patent application to 'The Patent Attorney' and the producers of 'The New Inventors.'  They will decide whether your invention and patent application have met the criteria. 

 

Evaluation

 
There are four stages to the Evaluation process.
  1. Your group will now use The Cooperative Skills Rubric to evaluate each person's contribution to the task. 
  2. Each member of the group will complete a Thinkers Cross.  This along with a digital photo of your invention need to be linked to your personal webpage
  3. Complete your Mind Map

 

 

  1. Attend a group conference with the Patent Attorney.  At this conference the Patent Attorney will check that you have completed all the required tasks.
  2. Submit your procedural text.  This will be assessed using the Procedural Text Rubric

Conclusion

Congratulations.  You have now earned the title of "Inventor".