Innoventions

Innoventions KS2 & KS3 

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes, max capacity: 30 students

Levers, pulleys, gears and cams are all examples of simple machines that can be used to make work easier. In this engaging and very hands-on workshop students will investigate different types of simple machine. Activities include lifting a teacher with one finger, launching a helicopter and using a pulley to change the direction of a force.  The workshop culminates in a challenge task where teams construct and use a model catapult.

Key Words:

Invention, Machines, Levers, Pulleys, Cams, Gears, Forces, Mechanics, Effort, Load, Pivot, Fulcrum, Design.

Learning objectives:

Recognise how simple machines can be used to make work easier.

Appreciate that levers, pulleys, gears and cams can transform forces.

Understand that complex machines are comprised of simple machines working together.

Understand the basic scientific principles behind the functioning of each machine type. 

Experience first-hand the advantages gained by using simple machines.

Investigate the structure and functioning of a catapult.

Content:

Learn about different types of ‘simple machines’ and the scientific principles they employ.

Gain direct, hands-on experience of with levers, pulleys, gears and cams.

Have the opportunity to volunteer to take part in entertaining role-play activities that illustrate the functioning and benefits of different machines.

Work in small teams to investigate a range of activities, including using levers and pulleys to lift heavy loads and change the direction of a force as well as using gearing to launch a helicopter.

In teams, assemble, optimise and deploy a model catapult to launch an object towards a target.

Curriculum Links:

Science

Recognise that some mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, allow a smaller force to have a greater effect

Explore the effect of levers, pulleys and simple machines on movement

Design and make products that use levers, pulleys and gears and explore their effects

Design and Technology

Understand and use mechanical systems in their products (for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages)

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills to engage in an iterative process of designing and making

Potential Hazards and accessibility:

Flying objects and heavy weights, all used under supervision and with careful instruction.