Hydraulic Arms, Simple Machines & Mathematics Word Problem

Grade level: 6
Time required: 3 class periods
Cost: $0 (after the hydraulic arms have been created)
MA frameworks: Mathematics 6.N.4, 6.N.5, 6.P.2, 6.P.4.

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This word problem explores the design of levers used in the hydraulic arm project. Students have a great deal of experience with the levers and the mechanical advantage during their hands-on project. Now they can use that expereince to develop an understanding of the mathematical techniques used to design levers.

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LINK HERE for the hydraulic arms, levers & math worksheet.

Sample Hydraulic Arm Designs

These hydraulic arms were designed, built, tested, redesigned, and improved by 6th grade students in Mrs. Carpenito's science class and Mr. Fitz's Technology class.

	Preparing engineering sketches of the hydraulic arms.
Assembling a prototype arm.
	Assembly and planning.
	Students pose with their creation. This project took a great deal of time and effort.
The same hydraulic arm with design journals in the foreground.
Students work together to design, test, and construct their hydraulic arm project.
	Planning, measuring, and laying out the work.
Cutting wooden parts for the hydraulic arm.
	Cutting wooden parts for the hydraulic arm.
It took lots of teamwork and preparation to complete this challenge with success!

Storm water mapping activity

Grade level: 7
Time required: 5 class periods
Cost: $30 for color printing and laminating maps
MA frameworks: Gr7 Geography skill 1.

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Students learn about mapping in this social studies lesson with science links. Creating a map of hometown allows mapping conventions, issues of scaling, topography, and water flow paths to be discussed.

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LINK HERE for the activity outline and map grading rubric.

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Resource for historical digital topographic maps.