Lesson Plans

Science Lesson 1- Practical uses of simple and compound machines aboard ship

Subject: Physics - Grade Levels: 1-12

Objective

While touring the Battleship North Carolina, students will observe and record as many simple machines (lever, pulley, wheel&axle, inclined plane, screw, and wedge) and their practical applications aboard the ship.

Example: System of various pulleys to move projectiles around and to load them in the 16" guns. The Captain used for hoisting the anchor of a ship is an example of the wheel and axle in which the effort is applied at the ends of several levers. Students will observe and record as many compound machines (a combination of two or more simple machines). Example would be gear wheels and their practical applications aboard the ship.

Materials

• Field trip to Battleship North Carolina
• Notebook
• Pencil

Application/Procedures

Students will have a thorough understanding of the concepts of both simple machines and compound machines before touring the ship. Possibly, a good Closure activity for the unit on machines. They should record and identify as many uses as the y can find of both simple and compound machine and how this is related to the use onboard. Students will make rough sketches of various machines to use in the classroom to help explain the principles of mechanical advantage.

Assessment

Student will present findings to classmates when they return to school.