Engineering

Design and make - 3rd class

3rd class explored the `Design and make` category this year,

Firstly, the class discussed a variety of sample activities and researched different projects both online and in our science books. Once the initial research had been carried out the class got to work on designing and planning how they would make their projects. The class focused mainly on using household recyclable materials and created a list of what they would need.

Following this the children then got to work on making their projects. Through this stage we reminded the class to keep a focus on the function of each project.

A selection of both similar and different projects were created including bridges, catapults, boats, rockets, volcanoes, lava lamps and slime creations.

Finally, the class made posters about their projects and evaluated them before presenting them to other classes in the school.  Everyone made a fantastic effort. Well done everyone!

Investigating How Everyday Items Work

1st Class

As part of our learning, we explored six different simple mechanisms: the lever, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, inclined plane, and screw. We learned how each of these mechanisms works and how they make tasks easier in everyday life.

After discussing each mechanism, we completed a quiz to test our understanding and reinforce what we had learned.

The children put their learning and creativity to use by creating posters with real-life examples of mechanisms. They also worked hard to design and build their own simple machines.

2nd Class

In Second Class we learned about the 6 simple types of machine, investigating how they work, and what they help us to do.

• We did a sorting activity as a class, grouping examples of each machine. We then did a 'What Am I?' game, matching each type of simple machine to their function and picture..
• Next we worked on making our own simple machines. We focused on making levers, inclined planes and pulleys. We used rulers and pencils as levers and fulcrums and used a variety of items as the load. We investigated how changing the position of the fulcrum affects how the lever works.
• We then worked in small groups to make some inclined planes. There were many interesting looking designs! Some groups finalised their designs through trial and error, altering them to ensure they were successful. We learned that the steepness of the incline really affects how they work..
• Finally, we worked in new groups to make a pulley. Different groups approached this task in different ways, with some groups using very creative methods to construct a pulley. Each group presented their pulley and explained how their machine worked.

We had great fun and enjoyed lots of active learning!