Performance Task: The Innovative Compound Machine Prototype
Your task is to design and build a functional prototype of a compound machine using
materials found at home or school. This machine must solve a simple, everyday
problem (e.g., lifting a small weight, moving an object across a desk, or dispensing a
snack) by integrating at least three different simple machines.
I. Objectives
Apply Newton’s Laws of Motion and principles of rotational mechanics to design
a functional compound machine that performs a specific task
Demonstrate the relationship between work, power, and the conservation of
mechanical energy through the physical operation of the prototype
II. Materials
You may use any combination of the following common items:
1. Cardboard (from boxes or cereal packs)
2. Plastic bottles or cups
3. String, twine, or fishing line
4. Rubber bands
5. Popsicle sticks or bamboo skewers
6. Bottle caps (to serve as wheels or pulleys)
7. Adhesive tape (masking, duct, or clear)
8. White glue or a hot glue gun
9. Scissors or a utility knife
10. Paper clips or binder clips
11. Drinking straws
12. Marbles or small pebbles (as weights or "power" sources)
13. Ruler or measuring tape
III. Procedure
1. Begin by identifying a simple task you wish to automate. Sketch a detailed
diagram of your machine, clearly labeling the simple machines involved (e.g.,
levers, pulleys, wheel and axle) and describing how they will interact to form a
compound system
2. Build the prototype using your selected materials. Ensure that the transitions
between components are smooth, applying your knowledge of translational and
rotational motion to ensure moving parts function correctly
3. Based on your observations, refine the design to improve efficiency. This may
involve reducing friction at pivot points or adjusting the length of lever arms to
better apply torque
4. Prepare a short report or presentation. In this report, provide a qualitative
description of how energy is conserved within your system and perform a
quantitative calculation of the work done by your machine.
IV. Rubrics for Grading
Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1)
Physics Seamlessly Integrates 3 Uses 1-2 simple Prototype does not
Application integrates 3+ simple machines machines; physics clearly
simple machines with minor errors principles are demonstrate
using Newton’s in the application inconsistently simple machine
Laws and of physics applied. principles.
rotational principles.
concepts.
Functionality & The prototype The prototype The prototype The prototype fails
Design works perfectly works most of the works to complete the
every time and time with minor occasionally but is intended task.
solves the manual unstable or
designated task intervention inconsistent.
efficiently. needed.
Creativity & Exceptional and Good use of Basic use of Minimal effort in
Resourcefulness innovative use of materials; design materials with material selection;
common is functional but limited evidence of design is
home/school follows a standard creative problem- incomplete or
materials to create or common solving. lacks thought.
a complex system. pattern.
Ratio of The prototype is The prototype is The prototype The prototype
Recyclable constructed constructed mostly uses some (40– uses very little to
Materials almost entirely (70–89%) from 69%) recyclable no (under 40%)
(90–100%) from recyclable or materials, but recyclable
recyclable, repurposed relies heavily on materials; it is
salvaged, or materials, with purchased or non- made almost
repurposed minor use of recyclable entirely of new or
materials. new/non- components. non-recyclable
recyclable parts. parts.
Presentation of The presentation The presentation The presentation The presentation is
Output is highly engaging is clear and is somewhat chaotic or
and flawlessly successfully disorganized. The incomplete. The
demonstrates the demonstrates the demonstration of machine fails to
machine in action. working machine. the machine is function during the
All integrated Simple machine partial or shaky, demonstration,
simple machines components are and the and its
are clearly identified with only explanation of its components are
identified and minor gaps in the parts is vague. not explained.
explained. explanation.
Dimension:
length: 80 cm
Width: 50 cm
Height 40 cm