Unit 3: Mechanical Systems
Think about a bicycle, a sewing machine, and a workshop vice. What do they have in common?
All of them have at least one mechanism that provides movement. If the devices were taken apart, you would find a series of gears that redirect the applied force so they can accomplish their tasks. Gears come in all sizes. Small gears are found in mechanical watches, while very large gears are found in cranes that are used to raise large bridge sections into place.
The activities in this lesson will introduce you to several mechanisms that are used to change speed, torque, force, type of movement, and direction of movement. These mechanisms have been developed over time to address the need for changes in machine tools, robots, automobiles, airplanes, etc. You will build different mechanisms and discover how they are used in the world today.
All of them have at least one mechanism that provides movement. If the devices were taken apart, you would find a series of gears that redirect the applied force so they can accomplish their tasks. Gears come in all sizes. Small gears are found in mechanical watches, while very large gears are found in cranes that are used to raise large bridge sections into place.
The activities in this lesson will introduce you to several mechanisms that are used to change speed, torque, force, type of movement, and direction of movement. These mechanisms have been developed over time to address the need for changes in machine tools, robots, automobiles, airplanes, etc. You will build different mechanisms and discover how they are used in the world today.
Essential Questions
- Which mechanism would be used to increase speed?
- Which mechanism would be used to increase torque or force?
- How do you change types of motion using mechanisms?
- Where are mechanisms used in real-life applications and what is their purpose?