Pulleys and Gears Design Challenge (Gr 4)

Grade: Four

Introduction: Prior to working on the Skill Builders, introduce the Design Challenge scenario to the students, and explain that they will be working through a variety of Skill Builders that will enable them to work successfully on the Design Challenge.

Design Challenge Scenario:

You will be working in teams of 2 to design and construct a model of a transporting sled and a pulley and/or gear system that will pull/push the sled with the car onto the crusher platform.

Design Specifications:

• Your device must move the sled with car at least a distance of 50 cm onto a target (representing the opening to the crusher).
• You must use only the supplied materials to construct your device.
• The model must not be taller than 20cm and must not be longer than 20cm.

Prior Knowledge and Skills

• characteristics and uses of pulleys and gears
• practice making pulleys and pulley systems to change direction, speed and force
• practice making gears and gear systems to change direction, speed and force

Skill Builders:

• Skill Builder 1 - Tool Identification and Safety
• Skill Builder 2 – Characteristics of Pulleys
• Skill Builder 3 – Using Pulleys and Pulley Systems
• Skill Builder 4 – Characteristics of Gears
• Skill Builder 5 – Using Gears and Gear Systems
• Skill Builder 6 – Using Pulleys and Gears Together
• Skill Builder 7 – Design Process

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