Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 08/22/04

5-8

I3: Describe and quantify the way machines can provide mechanical advantages in producing motion.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

  • What is mechanical advantage?
  • List some household tools that provide a mechanical advantage.
  • Describe how this tool provides mechanical advantage.
  • Calculate the mechanical advantage of this tool.
Elaboration

Mechanical advantage of a machine tells how much the machine increases the effort you put into a job.

Specific Ideas
  • The Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA) = the weight of the lifted object/ the force put in.
Developmental & Instructional Implications

It is important to offer many experiences with a variety of tools.

There is no match with national documents.

Examples
  • Use a variety of levers, pulleys and other common home tools to show mechanical advantages. (Hammer, ramp, can opener, screw driver, wedge, etc.)
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