Student Video: Wheels at Work
What is the trick to moving a mountain of bricks or transporting a pile of sand? Simple machines can make hard jobs easier! “Wheels at Work” shows a boy and his dad using a wheelbarrow for a backyard project. This captivating student-created video is an excellent introduction to lessons about wheels, axles, friction, and more.
 |
CATEGORY:Engineering |
GRADE LEVEL:Middle Grade |
DOWNLOADS:
ACTIVITIES:
“Wheels on the Bus” Activity
Kids young and old love the song and the actions that accompany the song! This STEM activity invites kids to decorate an empty cereal box so it looks like a bus. Upon completion, ask them to test a collection of household objects to find those that will allow the bus to move. https://jdaniel4smom.com/2017/08/wheels-bus-activity.html
Rolling “Pencil Log” Experiment
This activity shows children how wheels and axles make it easier to move heavy objects. Place a brick on the table and allow children to try to push it. Explain how the friction from the weight and the brick’s surface make it difficult to move. To demonstrate how wheels and axles reduce friction, put the brick on top of a row of pencils. Invite children to push the brick again. https://www.123homeschool4me.com/simple-machines-wheel-and-axle-week-2_14/
Do It Yourself Wheel and Axle
For this simple machine project, gather several Styrofoam balls. Talk about how a ball is different from a wheel. Cut off the sides of two Styrofoam balls to show that wheels are really the centers of balls. Provide a plastic straw or pencil and push it through the middle of the wheels. Let children to push it across the floor or table. https://www.123homeschool4me.com/simple-machines-wheel-and-axle-week-2_14/
Easy Peasy Clothespin Car
Buttons, straws, and clothespins—oh my! This little car is fun to wheel across the floor or roll down a ramp! Find step-by-step directions at https://craftsbyamanda.com/clothespin-car/
Cardboard Car
KID Museum offers educational videos that help hone students’ building skills and confidence. Here’s a more advanced wheel-and-axle project for older students. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOhzic2bmfI
CRAFT:
Doodle Lou's Paper Wheelbarrow
Let's get rolling! Students will enjoy making and playing with our paper wheelbarrow. Click the CRAFT tab to download—free!
