Tips for using Science World in the classroom

Science World, Feb 18, 2008 by Melinda Mills

Melinda Mills, this issue's contributor, suggests introducing this activity after students have read "Building the World's Biggest Wheel" (p. 16):

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A Ferris wheel is a simple machine. This physical science activity assesses students' understanding of simple machines.

First, introduce students to Edgar Rice Burroughs's At the Earth's Core. In this novel, an inventor builds a machine to take him to Earth's center. Read to students the opening paragraphs, which contain a description of the machine. (See www.literature.org/authors /burroughs-edgar-rice/at-the-earths-core/chapter-01.html). Then, assign students to invent a craft that relies on two or more simple machines to travel to Earth s core. Have them illustrate the craft and identify its simple machines, labeling input energy and energy transformations on the picture. Evaluate students' work based on accuracy, creativity, and presentation.

Melinda Mills, an education consultant and retired science teacher from Houston, Texas, with more than 30 years of teaching experience, contributed to this issue's Teacher's Edition. We hope you enjoy these teacher-developed lesson plans and activities.

As always, we continue to welcome your comments and suggestions at scienceworld@scholastic.com

-- The Editors