Understanding The Way Things Work Now: A Guided Study of Machines! (10-14yo)
Levels, Lasers, Windmills, Wifi, & more. This is a guided study group that meets to learn how machines work, including: the mechanics of movement, harnessing the elements, working with waves, electricity & automation, & the digital domain.
Teacher Tom Bickmore
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(280)
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What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hours per weekClass Experience
Join us anytime to begin your comprehensive & guided study on how most things work! As a group, we will study together using David Macaulay's book, "The Way Things Work Now," as our to the the topics we will learn, and we will gain a foundational understanding of how most important things work including: The Mechanics of Movement- (Including Inclined Planes, Levers, Wheels & Axles, Gears & Belts, Cams & Cranks, Pulleys, Screws, Rotating Wheels, Springs, Friction & more!) Harnessing the Elements- (Including Floating, Flying, Pressure Power, Exploiting Heat, Nuclear Power) Working with Waves- (Light & Images, Photography, Printing, Sound & Music, Telecommunications & more!) Electricity & Automation- (Electricity, Magnetism, Sensors & Detectors, & more!) The Digital Domain- (Making Bits, Storing Bits, Processing Bits, Sending Bits, Using Bits) This class will require learners to participate frequently in discussions on the topic of the week. Learners will also be encouraged to look for applications of their weekly topic in the world around them. While this will be a guided study group, rather than a traditional class, the teacher will provide the learners with further examples to reiterate what they are learning in their studies. No outside accounts will be needed. Those who will be the right fit for this class are independent learners with good attention spans, enthusiastic participation, and curious minds who want a meeting place to get all of their questions answered. (Class topics will cycle & repeat around once per year) If you love STEM & History classes, check out Teacher Tom's other ongoing and one-time classes such as: -Current Events in Space Technology & Rocket Launches -Minecraft Engineering with the Create Mod -Kerbal Space Program (Spaceflight Simulator Challenges To Better Understand Rocket Science) -Astroneer (Colonize Moons and Planets and Engineering Astronauts) -Analog Astronauts & Missions -Women in Space (Historic & Modern Contributions) -Ham Radio 101 -The Science of Fireworks -Historic Antarctic Expeditions & Leadership ...& more!
Learning Goals
Learners who take this class will have a better understanding of how most important things work including: the mechanics of movement, harnessing the elements, working with waves, electricity & automation, & the digital domain.
Other Details
Learning Needs
Having great success with all types of student who want to learn, including many neurodiverse students, over the >4600 hours I've taught on Outschool, I'm happy to work with kids experiencing ASD, ADHD, etc!
Supply List
Learners should have a copy of David Macaulay's book "The Way Things Work - Revised and Updated", in either hardcopy or digital. Learners are encouraged to have a second screen during class if they will be using a digital copy of the book so that they can reference the book & view their online class at the same time. Digital copies can be obtained instantly before class, while obtaining a hardcopy may take some time to arrive if order online. Make sure to plan in advance! The book is available on: Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.co.uk Kobo Kindle Chapters / Indigo & more...
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will be using David Macaulay's book, "The Way Things Work Now," as the guide to the order of the topics we will learn, though many other educational sources will be used in class along side this great book.
Learners will want a copy of this book to participate in this class. Please have a copy of the book before attending your first class. (Available in hard copy, digital, etc)
Joined November, 2020
5.0
280reviews
Star Educator
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Your teacher, Tom, grew up studying all versions of this book and it's most recent updates and credits it for providing him a foundational understanding of the way most things work in his youth which he was able to build on and encourages you to give your learner this same advantage.
Tom is a professional Rocket Science, STEM, & History Teacher, Finish Carpenter who has built real-life Escape Rooms & houses, & Licensed Ham Radio Operator in 2 countries, who has a phenomenal understanding of the way things work and a special ability to help his students both understand and be excited about what they are learning.
Tom has previously been featured as one of Outschool's EPIC (Empowering, Passion-Driven, Intentional, & Connected) teacher's for his "Passion-Driven" teaching.
Outschool states that Passion-driven Educators:
-Possess a deep understanding and interest in the topics they teach
-Develop unique content
-Ensure they offer multiple and global perspectives
-Are honest when they do not know an answer
-Use age-appropriate materials that connect topics to other areas of learner interest Incorporate games
-Ask what students are excited to learn
Come join a class and have your learner experience Tom's Passion-Driven teaching for themselves.Reviews
Live Group Class
$25
weekly1x per week
60 min
Completed by 56 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
4-10 learners per class
