UNIT D: Mechanical Systems

Unit Checklist

  Unit D: Key Ideas

Focus On: Mechanical Systems

This unit has three sections that are dedicated to helping you understand the basics of mechanical systems. Each section has a key idea indicated by its title, and each section is divided into lessons. Click each key idea tab to view the lesson titles and some key questions you will investigate.

 
Section 1 Key Idea: Simple and complex machines make human tasks easier.

Lesson D1: Types of Simple Machines
Key Question – What are the six main types of simple machines?

Lesson D2: Simple Machines: Past and Future
Key Question – How have humans used simple machines over history?

Lesson D3: Complex Machines
Key Question – How are simple machines combined to make larger machines?


Section 2 Key Idea: The advantages machines provide can be calculated and compared.

Lesson D4: Working With Machines
Key Question – How does changing force and distance make doing work easier?

Lesson D5: Machine Efficiency
Key Question – Why do machines not work perfectly?

Lesson D6: Mechanical Advantage
Key Question – How do we calculate and compare the advantages that machines give us?

Lesson D7:  Applying Pressure
Key Question – How does pressure transfer force in hydraulic and pneumatic systems?

Lesson D8:  Hydraulic Systems
Key Question – Why do hydraulic systems provide a huge mechanical advantage for doing work?


Section 3 Key Idea: New machines provide new technology solutions.

Lesson D9:  Evaluating a Mechanical Device
Key Question – How do we decide if a machine meets our needs?

Lesson D10:  Machines and Society
Key Question – How do machines affect people and the environment?

Lesson D11: New Thinking, New Machines
Key Question – How will new machines change our lives in the future?