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96
credits for 4 classes
($48 value)
Class

STEM Camp: Simple Machines to Chain Reaction Courses

Ages 9-11
Live Group Class
In this 4-day STEM course, students will learn about simple machines and utilize them to create exciting obstacle courses known as Rube Goldberg machines.
Sarah the Science Teacher, M.Sc.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(82 reviews)

Live video meetings
4x per week, 1 week
3-8 learners per class
45 min

Overview

Live Group Class
Meet over live video meetings
4 live meetings
3 in-class hours

Class Experience

Simple machines help us apply force and more simply complete work. They are utilized frequently in our everyday lives, such as in scissors and elevators.

In this multi-day class, students will learn about the six different types of simple machines - lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw. Students will design and create working models of several of the simple machines. Lastly, we will explore how simple machines can be used in combination to create fun, complex ways to perform simple tasks - Rube Goldberg machines. Each learner will design, create, and test their Rube Goldberg machine. Students will be asked to share and collaborate throughout the process.

Day 1 
- Introduction to simple machines
- Introduce lever, wheel and axle, and pulley
- Catapult creation activity 

Day 2 
- Introduce inclined plane, wedge, and screw 
- Bowling with inclined planes activity
- Introduction to Rube Goldberg machines

Day 3 
- Rube Goldberg machine design and creation

Day 4 
- Complete Rube Goldberg machines and share

Learning Goals

Students will be able to understands and apply the six types of simple machines.

Other Details

Supply List
Required:
- Scissors
- Ruler
- 10 disposable cups
- A board, pool noodle or other object to - use as a ramp
- 11 popsicle sticks
- 1 tongue depressor
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- 1 straw
- 1 wooden skewer
- 1 bottle cap or small paper cup
- 1 small/medium ball or a toy vehicle
- 2-3 grapes, pom poms, or mini marshmallows

Learners will need a variety of items to build a simple machine obstacle course. Not all materials listed below are required; however, they are some frequently used for this project. I encourage students to use things from around their house for this part. Materials will not be needed until the third class.
 
- bouncy balls, golf balls, marble or other weighty balls
- pvc, an old pool noodle, or matchbox ramps
- cardboard
- paper towel and toilet paper tubes
- tape
- rubber bands
- dominoes
- small toy cars
- string or yarn
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

    Meet the teacher

    Sarah the Science Teacher, M.Sc.
    Joined July, 2020
    4.9
    82reviews
    Profile
    Teacher expertise and credentials
    I have a B.S. in wildlife ecology and conservation and an M.Sc. focused on environmental education from the University of Florida. I am a certified teacher in Florida and have 8 years experience teaching middle school science and math in a brick and mortar school. Before teaching in the classroom, I was an educator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
    
    These experiences have fostered in me a deep passion for helping students better understand and enjoy science and math. I believe hands-on experiences and opportunities for creativity are keys to developing a love for and a better understanding of science. In my classes, students are encouraged to collaborate and communicate with one another to solve problems and help one another learn.
    
    A fun fact about me: My family and I love outdoor adventure. We love to explore nature together through hiking, biking, and canoeing.

    Reviews


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