Lesson 4

Pulley

Greatest Inventor of all Time

Leonardo da Vinci

Lesson 4

Gear

Duration:

5 days

Objectives:

Students will understand the following:

1.	The six simple machines are the basis for all mechanical devices.
2.	The six simple machines are as follows: the inclined plane, the lever and fulcrum, the wedge, the screw, and the wheel and axle, and the pulley
3.	Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest inventors of all time.
4.	Each of his designs implemented one or more of the six simple machines.

Simple Machines Learn about simple and compound machines while you explore the House and Tool Shed!

Glossary of Terms

Materials:

Research materials about simple machines and about Leonardo da Vinci
Computer with Internet access

Key Vocabulary:

Renaissance, friction, load, force, surface area, distance, inclined plane, lever, fulcrum, wedge, screw, wheel, axle, pulley

Procedures:

1.	Ask students to tell what they know about simple machines. If necessary, review the six simple machines with the class: the inclined plane, the lever and fulcrum, the wedge, the screw, and the wheel and axle, and the pulley.
2.	Divide the class into six groups, assigning one of the simple machines to each group.
3.	Give the groups a two-part assignment: Find one or more examples of your simple machine. Either bring it to class, photograph it, or draw a picture of it. Record where you found the simple machine. (Examples: a bottle opener is a lever; a knife or ax blade is a wedge; a ramp is an inclined plane.) Find one or more larger, more complex machines of which your simple machine is a part. Bring the machine to class if possible; otherwise, photograph it or draw a picture of it, with your simple machine labeled. A good example is a sewing machine which implements a wheel, a wedge (the needle), a lever and fulcrum (the foot peddle), and numerous screws. A bicycle is also a good example. Write an explanation of the kind of work your simple machine does and how it works.
4.	Have each group present its simple machine and its report to the class.
5.	After the presentations, ask students to tell what they know about Leonardo da Vinci. Be sure to bring out that he was not only a great artist, but also a great inventor—one of the greatest of all time.
6.	Assign students to research Leonardo’s life and inventions. Each student should bring to class a photocopy or downloaded-and-printed diagram of one of Leonardo’s inventions.
7.	Challenge students to point out and explain how Leonardo implemented simple machines into his designs.
8.	Help students to conclude that the six simple machines are the basis for all mechanical devices.

Discussion Questions

1.	It is said that with Leonardo “there is more than meets the eye.” Explain the meaning of this statement and give examples to support your answer.
2.	After reviewing Leonardo’s accomplishments, do you believe that Leonardo would enjoy life today in America? What might he be doing if he were alive today?
3.	Analyze how Leonardo integrated science and art in different aspects of his life. Hypothesize how incorporating his philosophies could improve your approach to life.
4.	Do you think Leonardo would feel right at home with robots, submarines, and airplanes? Explain why.
5.	Experts stated that “only posterity could carry out Leonardo’s ideas.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer with supporting examples.

Assessment:

You can evaluate your students on their assignments using the following three-point rubric:

Three points: example of simple machine and example of more complex machine provided, presentation clear and complete
Two points: example of simple machine provided, but failure to provide example of more complex machine; presentation clear
One point: example of simple machine provided, but failure to provide example of more complex machine; presentation unsatisfactory

Home Learning:
Have students write an explanation for how their simple machine helps do work. Explanations should include the terms friction, load, force, surface area, and distance.

Extension Activity:

Have students choose an inventor to research. Students should write reports about the inventor’s life and achievements, in addition to listing his most important inventions and explaining how one of them works. Here is a partial list of inventors from which to choose: Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Graham Bell, Eli Whitney, James Watt, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi, Michael Faraday, the Wright brothers, Charles Babbage.

Assist your students in generating a list of possible 21st century invention needs. Begin the brainstorming session by suggesting some potential problems or needs including but not limited to pollution, aging, health, recreation, traffic, information management, literacy, clean energy sources, weather protection. Invite students to form groups and choose a need they would like to fill by proposing a new invention. Allow time for groups to meet to discuss their ideas. Have them sketch their invention and write an explanation of how it works and whom it will benefit. (Students should understand that their inventions should be imaginative, but not necessarily viable.)

Links:

Exploring Leonardo
A comprehensive overview of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci is explored at this location. Included at the site are interactive activities that explore his life as a scientist, an inventor and as an artist.

The Leonardo Museum in Vinci
This is the official web page of the Museum of Leonardo. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the exhibits and locate geographical, historical, and biographical information.

Leonardo’s World
The web site provides an overview of the Renaissance. Features include “Become a Renaissance Man in 9 Easy Steps” and “A Renaissance Timeline.”

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