Simple Machine Web Quest

Introduction

As you explore this WebQuest you will learn about the six simple machines, their history, and how they make our lives easier. You will also learn about the patent process. Finally, you will create your own complex machine made up of simple machines.

NEWS FLASH--- Rube Goldberg, a wacky machine cartoonist, has lost his creativity. He is sending out an alert to students everywhere to help him. The only problem is that the patent board needs to patent your invention so that Rube can use it.

Task

It is your job in this WebQuest to invent a new machine- not just any machine, but a compound machine based on the work of Rube Goldberg. You will need to use at least three simple machines in an unusual arrangement to accomplish a simple task. Rube doesn't have much time until his next cartoon is due, so he is asking each student in your 3-member team to specialize. Your group needs to make the wacky invention and convince the patent board that your invention will benefit the most people. Here are your jobs:

One person is in charge of patent information (check out: How Stuff Works, The United States Patent Office, The Wikipedia. For fun check out: The Wacky Patent of the Month and Totally Absurd Patents and Inventions.)
One person is in charge of simple machine research (visit: Mr. Mattison 's Simple Machine Page)
One person is in charge of Rube Goldberg and inventor research. (click here to start: The Invention Dimension: Inventor of the Week Archives and The Inventor's Workshop)
Use the links above as a starting point. Don't forget to use Google, Yahoo, Ask.com, Searchasaurus and Mrs. Milano's Research Page for additional information.
You are all in charge of communicating and working together so that your team can get the patent for the new Rube Goldberg design.

Your task is to do the following:
First and foremost you are all responsible of keeping track of due dates.

Research the type of cartoons that Rube Goldberg makes and begin to think of a machine that could help Rube regain his sense of creativity. Draw a cartoon of the machine your group is planning on making. (Use the patent sheet)
Research the six types of simple machines: pulley, screw, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, and wedge. Use this worksheet to record your work.
Research how a person goes about getting a patent. Fill out this worksheet to record your work.
Check in with your teacher before moving on to step five.
Begin making the complex machine.
Put together a presentation for the patent review board.
Present your patent to the patent review board.

Evaluation

Your group will be evaluated on how well you complete this task. Your group will need to turn in the following:

A list of simple machines and how they work.
A patent application.
A completed complex machine

Points will be given based on the following:

How complete is your simple machine list?
Did you construct your invention in the Rube Goldberg style?
How well did you follow directions?
Did you use at least 3 simple machines?
Did you accurately label all the simple machines in your invention cartoon?

Complex Machine Rubric

	DEVELOPING	IN PROGRESS	MEETS EXPECTATIONS	EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
Carried out plan	Lacks a plan; not complete	Completed with frequent assistance	Completed with little help	Followed through well; self-motivated
Creativity	Uses other's ideas	Typical looking machine	Creative, added more detail than the typical group	Unique ideas; novel; fresh
Effort/task commitment	Resistant	Inadequate for task	Appropriate effort and time on task	Extensive effort; uses time well
Group cooperation	Uncooperative; resistant	Appropriate cooperation	Listens well; help others; shares	Encourages and redirects others back to task
Integration of knowledge of simple machines	Unable to apply skills	Uses information and skills in only one subject area	Uses information and skills in several subject areas	Consistently integrates information and skills
Problem solving	Inappropriate solution	Incomplete or flawed	Appropriate process application, and analysis	Higher level solution; innovative; synthesizes
Time management	Does not complete task	Needed frequent assistance	Used Time appropriately	Mature management
Resources	Inappropriate	A few resources used appropriately	Appropriate in number, kind, and use	Extensive and varied; uses technology

Conclusion

At the end of this WebQuest you will have learned what the six simple machines are and how they are used. You will also have learned about a new way to make your life easier by creating a new machine. You will know who Rube Goldberg was and how he used simple machines to invent new machines. You will know how the patent process works and why it is necessary.