Name________________________________ Date_________________
Build a Compound Machine An NGSS and STEM
Engineering and Design Project
Think of an everyday problem you have at school, home, or
somewhere else. What could you do to solve it realistically? Could
you build something to make life easier?
Task: Invent a compound machine that is made up of at least 4
simple machines that solves an everyday problem. Remember that
a compound machine is made up of two or more simple machines.
A wheelbarrow is an example of a compound machine that solves
the problem of not being able to carry large loads more easily. It
is made up of a lever and a wheel and axle. You must design and
build the product that solves your problem as well as make a small
poster to share with the class. Follow the outline to stay focused
and on task!
Criteria: The compound machine has to
involve at least 4 simple machines (Inclined plane/ramp,
Lever, Wedge, Wheel and Axle, Gear, Screw, Pulley)
be useful in solving your problem
be somewhat realistic
be made of materials from home (recyclables, junk, etc.)
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Tentative Schedule:
Day 1: Read and review the project directions and brainstorm
everyday problems we have
Day 2: Brainstorm solutions to your problem, choose one, sketch a
rough draft, and decide on materials to use to build your product
Day 3: Begin designing your product
Day 4: Finish designing your product
Day 5: Create your poster
*Homework: Reflection Sheet
This project is due on __________________________.
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Name________________________ Date________________
Simple Machines Project Outline
Directions: Use this outline to stay organized for your project!
Topic Notes
1.
Brainstorm
Possible
Problems
(write 3, 2.
circle the
one you
choose)
3.
1.
Possible
Solutions
(write 3 for
your 2.
problem,
circle the
one you
choose) 3.
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Rough
Sketch of
your Solution
(4 simple
machines, all
parts labeled
and describe
how it works)
Poster Design:
1. Draw a large diagram of your invention and color it.
2. Label the simple machines.
3. Name your product! Be creative!
4. Somewhere on the poster and in paragraph form, write what its
purpose is, how it works, and what simple machines it uses. Be
prepared to use this poster to sell it to the audience in a
presentation such as in the show Shark Tank!
5. After you finish, complete the conclusions to reflect on what you
learned. Otherwise, it is homework.
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Name_________________________________ Date________________
Simple Machines Build a Compound Machine
Engineering Project Conclusions
1. When engineers design solutions to problems, they have to
think about the costs and benefits, too. You can think of them
as the pros and cons of your design and it can involve time,
materials, and/or cost. Name two costs and two benefits of
your design. Write your answers in the chart
Cost (Con) Benefit (Pro)
2. What effects, good or bad, would your design have on the
environment? Write two.
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3. If you had more materials and time, name two improvements
you could make to your design.
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4. What other realistic solutions do you think would work? If
unsure, research a current solution to your problem in more detail
using the internet. Describe what it is, how it works, and whether
or not it is similar to yours!
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5. Optional: Choose one of your classmates products. Briefly
describe the problem and solution (product). If you were to
design a solution for that problem, what would you create?
Explain in 2-3 sentences.
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Name________________________________ Date_________________
Simple Machines Engineering Project Rubric
Criteria ______points ______points ______points
Compound Contains 0-1 Contains 2-3 Contains 4+
machine simple machines simple machines simple machines
contains 4+
simple machines
Compound Not useful Somewhat useful Very useful
machine is useful
Drawing and Compound Compound Compound
Labeling machine is machine is partly machine is drawn
incomplete and drawn and some and all simple
simple machines simple machines machines
are not labeled are labeled labeled correctly
Neatness Very messy Mostly neat Very neat
Presentation/ Partly described Mostly described Described its
Poster its name, its name, name, purpose,
purpose, how it purpose, how it how it works, and
works, and works, and simple machines
simple machines simple machines it uses
it uses it uses
Your Points ____________
Comments:
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