WedgeSimple Machines

Educational ObjectivesAfter this lesson, students should be able to understand and apply the following concepts:

Basic elements of a wedge

Relationship between force, horizontal distance and vertical distance

Calculate mechanical advantage

Construct a model wedge

Conduct an authentic assessment of mathematical predictions and calculations

Intrinsic value of the wedge and the ability to transfer that knowledge to future applications and solutions

Education Standards

Curriculum

Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab

Standards for Technological Literacy

2.K-2 2.3-5 2.6-8 2.9-12 8.K-2 8.3-5 8.6-8 8.9-12 9.K-2 9.3-5 9.6-8 9.9-1210.K-2 10.3-5 10.6-8 10.9-12

Next Generation Science Standards

3-5-ETS1-1 MS-ETS1-1 HS-ETS1-13-5-ETS1-2 MS-ETS1-2 HS-ETS1-23-5-ETS1-3 MS-ETS1-3 HS-ETS1-3 MS-ETS1-4 HS-ETS1-4

Common Core Standards

W.5.7 RST.6-8.1 WHST.6-8.9W.5.9 RST.6-8.7 RST.11-12.7MP.2 RST.11-12.8 RST.11-12.9 MP.4 MP.5 SL.8.5

STEM-Maker

A STEM-Maker Level 1 Lesson for System Fluency

Table of Contents

Introduction Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 Key Terms .............................................................................................................................. 1 Additional Resources .............................................................................................................. 1 Building Basics with Rokenbok ................................................................................................. 2

Technology and Engineering Bill of Materials ....................................................................................................................... 3 Building a Wedge ..................................................................................................................... 3-4

Science Concepts What is a Wedge? ..................................................................................................................... 5 Wedge Examples ...................................................................................................................... 5

Math Concepts Calculating Attributes of the Wedge ........................................................................................... 6

STEM Challenges Building a Golf Chipper ............................................................................................................... 7

Assessment What Have We Learned? ......................................................................................................... 8

Level 1 Simple Machines: The Wedge

WelcomeFrom basic STEM literacies to 3D solid modeling, Rokenbok STEM-MAKER curriculum was created to help you teach technology, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Rokenbok’s STEM-Maker Curriculum guides fun and engaging hands-on project based challenges, and models the progression of fluencies mastered by real designers and engineers. Lesson plans are categorized in three progressive levels for grades 3-12 and align with NGSS and common core state standards. Progression through these levels builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment setting the groundwork for a love of learning, creating and making.

Step-by-step, single-solution projects introduce Rokenbok

materials and how thesystem works.

System Fluency Creative Fluency Engineering FluencyRealistic design briefs

challenge the student tosolve a problem based on the

skills learned in Level 1. Students add their own design creativity to solve a problem using the

Rokenbok system.

A more advanced design brief challenges students to design

and build custom parts to complete a project. Students

use the 3D Virtual Parts Library and 3D solid modeling software to adapt and create

their own partsand tools.

IntroductionIntroductionThis Level 1 project is designed to introduce your students to one of the six simple machines, the wedge. Students will learn how the wedge works by making their own wedge, applying the mathematics behind the wedge, as well as learning key terms related to the subject matter.

Key TermsWedge: Simple machine used to separate objects through the use of force.

Simple Machine: A device that transmits or modifies force or motion.

Effort: Force used to move an object over a distance.

Slope: The difference between the rise over the run in a wedge.

Width: The vertical distance of a wedge at the center or widest end

Length of Slope: The distance of the slope of a wedge.

Incline: Slanted surface that deviates from a horizontal surface.

Online Key Search Termssimple machines mechanical advantage wedgeknives wood axe door stopchisels scissors nails

1

2

Building Basics with RokenbokYou will be using the Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover or SnapStack Module for this project.

Snapping:Rokenbok building components snap together for a snug fit. It is easier to snap pieces together by angling the beam into the block.

Bracing:Use braces to strengthen any Rokenbok build. Girders, 2-way braces, 3-way braces, and corbels are all commonly used for this purpose.

Disassemble:Always use the Rokenbok key tool when taking apart pieces. Insert the tab on the key into the engineered slot on each piece and twist slightly. This will protect your fingers and minimize broken pieces.

Take Inventory:It is recommended to take inventory of all components at the end of each build and a complete check at the end of the school year. Replacement pieces can be found online at rokenbok.com/education.

Component Care:All building components should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergentand water.

Snapping

Bracing

Disassemble

Build the Wedge Assembly

Build the Base Assembly

Technology & EngineeringBuilding a WedgeFollow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge vehicle.

3

Bill of Materials Makes one wedge vehicle.

4x 3x

2x

6x4x

8x 3x

1

2

4

3

Final Wedge Assembly

Build the Wedge Assembly

Technology & EngineeringBuilding a WedgeFollow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge.

4

Example B - Double Wedge

Chisels

Shoes

Forks

Knives

Nails

Science ConceptsWhat is a Wedge?The wedge is one of the simple machines that is made up of two inclined planes. Wedges are used to split things apart or to hold things together.

The point where the inclined planes come together creates a sharp edge that can be used to force the wedge into materials to split or separate them into two or more pieces. An inclined plane is stationary and the force parallels the slope, while a wedge is mobile and the force is applied to the sharp edge of the wedge.

A wedge can be created by either one or two inclined planes. The double wedge is formed when two inclined planes are joined with the sloping surfaces facing outward. As the force is applied to the sharp edge of the wedge, it is forced into the material and causes it to split in two pieces.

Wedge ExamplesHere are a few of the examples of how the wedge is used in common applications.

5

Axe

Example A - Single Wedge

Force

Width(4 feet)

Example A

Length of Slope(8 feet)

Math ConceptsCalculating Attributes of the WedgeThe benefit of the wedge is based on a scientific concept called mechanical advantage. By using a simple machine, we can make hard work easier and this makes it possible to build things that we don’t have the power to do with just our hands and muscles. The mechanical advantage of the wedge is similar to the inclined plane, but a wedge is designed to separate or hold materials, while the inclined plane is used to lift objects and is stationary.

Use the formulas below to determine the mechanical advantage of an wedge.

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2 2 2a + b = c

2c2a

2b

Length of Slope

Width

Formula: Length of SlopeThe length of slope is measured along the diagonal length of the wedge from the lowest point to the highest point at the center or bottom of the wedge. This is determined by using the math formula known as the pythagorean theorem which is:

Formula: ThicknessThe width of the wedge is simply the measured distance from the lowest point to the highest point along the wide end of the wedge.

Formula: Mechanical AdvantageWe can use mathematical formulas and measurements to help determine the mechanical advantage of a machine, including the wedge To determine the mechanical advantage of the wedge, (Example A), simply divide the length of slope by the height.

MA = Length of Slope / Width

So for this example:

Length of Slope (8 feet) / Height (4 feet) = MA = 2

Width

Length of Slope

Other Uses for the WedgeThe wedge is a very useful simple machine. Not only can the mechanical advantage of a wedge be useful to separate things, it can also be used in many other ways. Some of these include:

Sledge hammers and jack hammers

Shears, knives, and blades

Pilings and shims

STEM ChallengeWhat Can You Design?These STEM Design and Engineering Challenges introduce you to the wedge and how it can be used to make work easier for many different tasks. Try out the STEM below or design your own project using the wedge.

Building a Golf ChipperThis STEM Challenge is designed to use what you know about the wedge to create a fun new project.

When golfers get close to the green, they need a special club that will loft the ball into the air and land softly on the green. This club is called a golf chipper and uses the design of the wedge to ac-complish the desired loft on the ball.

Use additional Rokenbok building components to build a wedge device that will loft a plastic golf ball into the air and onto a miniature golf green.

When you have completed your golf chipper, you can challenge your classmates to a chipping contest with your new machine.

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Jack Hammer

What Have We Learned?1. The difference between a wedge and an inclined plane is that the inclined plane is used to lift objects while the wedge is designed to ___________ materials. a. weld b. separate c. lengthen d. shorten

2. The wedge is really made of one or two ____________________ . a. pulleys b. levers c. screws d. inclined planes

3. Use the information below to determine the mechanical advantage of the wedge. a. MA = 2.4 b. MA = 4.8 c. MA = .416 d. MA = 60

4. Which of the following examples is not a wedge? a. knife b. bicycle wheel c. axe d. nail

5. Which math formula is used to find the length of slope of a wedge? a. (x + y = z) b. 2pr c. d. length of slope/height

Assessment

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Mechanical Advantage of a WedgeMA = Length of Slope / Width

MA = ________

2 2 2a + b = c

Width(5 feet)

Length of Slope(12 feet)

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