Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Period: _______
ASPIRE Simple Machines
Instructions:
Read all the writing on each webpage.
Perform each task and record it on worksheet.
Introduction – Page 1
1. Read all the introduction!
2. Draw a picture of Harry and Pic balanced on the teeter-totter.
Lesson 1: The Wedge and the Lever
Talk Now - 1a: Shape of the wedge
Predict how the shape of the wedge might influence its effectiveness. Write your prediction here:
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Lab Instructions- The Wedge:
1. Select 4 different lengths for the wedge and record the weight (N) required– weight is the same thing as
force (N)!
Table 1: Wedge
Length (cm)
Weight (N) (i.e. Force)
Talk Now - 1b: Effectiveness of the wedge
Write a general statement explaining which wedges will work most efficiently and will split the block with the
least amount of force (or weight).
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Data Analysis -1:
Make a line graph showing the wedge length and force from the chart above. Remember, the independent
variable goes on the x-axis (horizontal) and is the length you chose! The dependent variable goes on the y-axis
(vertical) and is the resulting weight depending on what length you chose!
(See graph paper below)
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Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Period: _______
Graph title: _________________________________________________________________________
Analysis questions:
1. Using the data from your chart and your graph, write a general statement about the length of the wedges
that did the work most efficiently.
2. Make a prediction of what might happen with extreme shaped wedges. i.e.: an extremely long wedge or
a very short, almost-flat wedge. Might there be problems at both extremes? Explain your prediction.
3. How did the force which was applied to the wedge change as you changed the length of the wedge?
4. What is the relationship between the wedge length and the force required to use it?
5. Refer back to your prediction at the beginning of this lab. How might you change your statement to be
more accurate or more complete?
Let's move on to the Lever:
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Name: _____________________________________________________________________________ Period: _______
Let's move on to the Lever:
Talk Now – 1c: Predicting the effectiveness of a lever
Predict how a lever might be used to make work easier. How will a lever make lifting the block onto the sled
easier for Harry?
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Lab Instructions: The Lever
1. Select a placement for the fulcrum and record your data.
2. Record effort distance, effort force and indicate whether or not it was successful. Do 6 trials.
Table 2: Lever
Trial #
Effort
Distance (m)
Force (N)
Success?
Work (Juoles)
(Distance x Force)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Calculating Work. Work = Distance (effort) x Force (effort). Enter the Work for each trial on chart.
Analysis Questions:
1. Compare the effort distance (DE) and effort force (FE) in all trials. What happens to the amount of FE
as the DE increases?
2. Use the term “inverse” or “direct” to explain the relationship between FE and DE as you adjusted
your lever. (Use complete sentences.)
3. What are the advantages of using a lever to lift this stone?
Graph your results of how Effort Distance (m) affects Force (N). Label the horizontal axis the independent
variable- the variable that YOU manipulated. Label the vertical axis the dependent variable–the resulting Force.
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