Wild & Wacky Machine Project

Name: ______________________

REQUIREMENTS: What do I need to do? You are going to create a unique, COMPLEX MACHINE (science credit) that includes at least three of the six simple machines we have explored in class! Two of the simple machines may be the same, but at least one needs to be different. The machine must perform a specific task of your choosing; the machine must have a FUNCTION. The function needs to be completely

wacky.

This means that the function does not have to be realistic or practical. Machines are designed to do work. What work will your machine do? Be creative and have fun! Your machine will be constructed at home. Parent help is encouraged but you should be the primary builder. The machine must be structurally sound and it must be able to perform the desired task, or function. You will have an opportunity to demonstrate your working machine in class. Your machine will also be displayed in the school! You will need a VISUAL (science credit) for this. Your visual could include a single poster made of cardboard from an old box. You are encouraged to reuse materials already in your possession. It is NOT necessary to buy a sectional display board. Finally, you will need to complete an EXPOSITORY WRITING (writing

credit) describing the design of your machine, its purpose, and the simple machines that it is made up of. Scientific vocabulary and technical terms must be used in your paper.

SUGGESTIONS: Some Helpful Hints

Many of you may think it is necessary to spend a lot of money on this. This is not true! You can find many materials around your home or can purchase them cheaply at a hardware store. Reuse! Reduce! Recycle! Be creative! Try to use materials you already have. Creativity is the name of the game here. It is important that you know the materials are sturdy enough to hold up to the rigors of operating your machine. In the past, students have created machines out of plastic fast food cups, cardboard boxes, rubber bands, string, and paper towel rolls. Legos or Knex are acceptable. Please keep in mind that the machines will be on display. It is important to test your machine many times. Make sure that all parts of the machine are aligned properly and if something does not work the way it should, fix it before bringing it in to class. It should be designed so that your machine performs an action (work). It is your job to decide its wild or wacky purpose. Students have built machines that pour dog food, trap mice, free princesses, and dispense taffy (to name a few). IMPORTANT: Please plan wisely; do not wait until the last minute to do this!

complex Machine Rubric

machine has/performs a wacky function 10 points ___________

Machine includes at least three simple machines 30 points ___________

machine is structurally sound (it doesnt wobble or fall apart when doing work) 10 points ___________

total points possible: 50

score

___________

wacky machine EXPOSITORY WRITING RUBRIC (writing portion done in class!)

Beginning 1 Developing 3
Outline has the following order: green, yellow, pink, green Main idea or topic in first sentence

Accomplished 4
Outline has the following order: green, yellow, pink, green AND includes two key/star ideas Clear main idea or topic sentence

Exemplary 5
Outline has two or more pink sentences for each star idea Interesting, clear main idea or topic sentence catches attention Strong paragraph(s) ordered to develop story or exposition that follows outline format No sentence errors; variety in length and type; sentence types relate to style of writing Correct punctuation and case throughout; variety used Correct punctuation and case

Score

Outline

Outline Follows Format

Topic (Green)

Key word(s) near beginning

Paragraph Organization

Paragraph(s) does not match outline

Evidence of the outline in paragraph

Paragraph follows order of green, yellow, pink, yellow, pink, green

Sentence Structure

Mostly complete sentences; some fragments or run-ons

Complete sentences; few run-on sentences

Complete sentences; no run-ons or fragments; some variety in length and sentence type Minor errors in punctuation and case; variety used Minor errors in punctuation and case; variety

Grammar

Many errors in agreement, number, verb tense Several punctuation and case

Few punctuation and case errors Few punctuation and case

Puncuation and Case

errors

errors

used

throughout; variety used No spelling errors Machine is described with scientific terms and simple machine parts

Spelling Scientific Terms Used

Many spelling errors Machine is described

Some spelling errors Machine description includes one scientific term

Few spelling errors Machine is described with scientific terms OR simple machine parts

TOTAL SCORE: _______

wacky machine visual RUBRIC

visual is clear and easy to read from a distance 5 points ___________

visual has correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation 15 points ___________

visual includes a diagram of the complex machine with simple machines labeled 30 points ___________

total score possible: 50 points

Total Score

___________