STEM-Maker
Curriculum
Turn Any Space Into a STEM Lab
Wedge
Simple Machines
A STEM-Maker Level 1 Lesson for System Fluency
Educational Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to understand and
apply the following concepts:
Basic elements of a wedge
Relationship between force, horizontal
distance and vertical distance
Calculate mechanical advantage
Construct a model wedge
Conduct an authentic assessment of mathematical
predictions and calculations
Intrinsic value of the wedge and the ability to transfer
that knowledge to future applications and solutions
Education Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
Common Core Standards
Standards for Technological Literacy
3-5-ETS1-1
3-5-ETS1-2
3-5-ETS1-3
W.5.7
W.5.9
MP.2
MP.4
2.K-2
8.K-2
9.K-2
10.K-2
MS-ETS1-1
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
MS-ETS1-4
HS-ETS1-1
HS-ETS1-2
HS-ETS1-3
HS-ETS1-4
RST.6-8.1
RST.6-8.7
RST.11-12.8
MP.5
WHST.6-8.9
RST.11-12.7
RST.11-12.9
SL.8.5
2.3-5
8.3-5
9.3-5
10.3-5
2.6-8
8.6-8
9.6-8
10.6-8
2.9-12
8.9-12
9.9-12
10.9-12
Welcome
From basic STEM literacies to 3D solid modeling, Rokenbok STEM-MAKER curriculum was created
to help you teach technology, engineering, and design in almost any setting. Rokenbok’s STEMMaker Curriculum guides fun and engaging hands-on project based challenges, and models the
progression of fluencies mastered by real designers and engineers. Lesson plans are categorized
in three progressive levels for grades 3-12 and align with NGSS and common core state standards.
Progression through these levels builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment setting the
groundwork for a love of learning, creating and making.
System Fluency
Creative Fluency
Engineering Fluency
Step-by-step, single-solution
projects introduce Rokenbok
materials and how the
system works.
Realistic design briefs
challenge the student to
solve a problem based on the
skills learned in Level 1. Students
add their own design creativity
to solve a problem using the
Rokenbok system.
A more advanced design brief
challenges students to design
and build custom parts to
complete a project. Students
use the 3D Virtual Parts
Library and 3D solid modeling
software to adapt and create
their own parts
and tools.
Table of Contents
Level 1 Simple Machines: The Wedge
Introduction
Introduction ............................................................................................................................
Key Terms ..............................................................................................................................
Additional Resources ..............................................................................................................
Building Basics with Rokenbok .................................................................................................
Technology and Engineering
Bill of Materials .......................................................................................................................
Building a Wedge .....................................................................................................................
Science Concepts
What is a Wedge? .....................................................................................................................
Wedge Examples ......................................................................................................................
Math Concepts
Calculating Attributes of the Wedge ...........................................................................................
STEM Challenges
Building a Golf Chipper ...............................................................................................................
Assessment
What Have We Learned? .........................................................................................................
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1
1
2
3
3-4
5
5
6
7
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Introduction
Introduction
This Level 1 project is designed to introduce your students to one of the six simple machines,
the wedge. Students will learn how the wedge works by making their own wedge, applying
the mathematics behind the wedge, as well as learning key terms related to the subject
matter.
Key Terms
Wedge:
Simple machine used to separate objects through the use of force.
Simple Machine:
A device that transmits or modifies force or motion.
Effort:
Force used to move an object over a distance.
Slope:
The difference between the rise over the run in a wedge.
Width:
The vertical distance of a wedge at the center or widest end
Length of Slope:
The distance of the slope of a wedge.
Incline:
Slanted surface that deviates from a horizontal surface.
Online Key Search Terms
simple machines
knives
chisels
mechanical advantage
wood axe
scissors
wedge
door stop
nails
1
Building Basics with Rokenbok
You will be using the Rokenbok Education ROK Ed Rover or SnapStack Module for this
project.
Snapping:
Rokenbok building components snap
together for a snug fit. It is easier to snap
pieces together by angling the beam into
the block.
Snapping
Bracing:
Use braces to strengthen any
Rokenbok build. Girders, 2-way
braces, 3-way braces, and corbels are all
commonly used for this purpose.
Bracing
Disassemble:
Always use the Rokenbok key tool when
taking apart pieces. Insert the tab on the
key into the engineered slot on each piece
and twist slightly. This will protect your
fingers and minimize broken pieces.
Disassemble
Take Inventory:
It is recommended to take inventory of all components at the end of each build and
a complete check at the end of the school year. Replacement pieces can be found
online at rokenbok.com/education.
Component Care:
All building components should be cleaned regularly with a mild detergent
and water.
2
Technology & Engineering
Building a Wedge
Follow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge vehicle.
Bill of Materials
Makes one wedge vehicle.
4x
3x
8x
1
Build the Base Assembly
2
Build the Wedge Assembly
4x
3x
6x
2x
3
Technology & Engineering
Building a Wedge
Follow the step-by-step instructions to build a wedge.
3
Build the Wedge Assembly
4
Final Wedge Assembly
4
Science Concepts
What is a Wedge?
The wedge is one of the simple machines that is made
up of two inclined planes. Wedges are used to split
things apart or to hold things together.
The point where the inclined planes come together
creates a sharp edge that can be used to force the
wedge into materials to split or separate them into two
or more pieces. An inclined plane is stationary and the
force parallels the slope, while a wedge is mobile and
the force is applied to the sharp edge of the wedge.
Example A - Single Wedge
Force
A wedge can be created by either one or two inclined
planes. The double wedge is formed when two inclined
planes are joined with the sloping surfaces facing
outward. As the force is applied to the sharp edge of
the wedge, it is forced into the material and causes it to
split in two pieces.
Wedge Examples
Here are a few of the examples of how the wedge is
used in common applications.
Example B - Double Wedge
Axe
Knives
Shoes
Nails
Forks
Chisels
5
Math Concepts
Calculating Attributes of the Wedge
The benefit of the wedge is based on a scientific concept called mechanical advantage. By using a
simple machine, we can make hard work easier and this makes it possible to build things that we don’t
have the power to do with just our hands and muscles. The mechanical advantage of the wedge is
similar to the inclined plane, but a wedge is designed to separate or hold materials, while the inclined
plane is used to lift objects and is stationary.
Use the formulas below to determine the mechanical advantage of an wedge.
Formula: Length of Slope
The length of slope is measured along the diagonal length
of the wedge from the lowest point to the highest point at
the center or bottom of the wedge. This is determined by
using the math formula known as the pythagorean theorem
which is:
a 2+ b 2= c 2
Length of
Slope c 2
b2
Formula: Thickness
The width of the wedge is simply the measured distance
from the lowest point to the highest point along the wide
end of the wedge.
Length of Slope
Width
Formula: Mechanical Advantage
We can use mathematical formulas and measurements to
help determine the mechanical advantage of a machine,
including the wedge To determine the mechanical
advantage of the wedge, (Example A), simply divide the
length of slope by the height.
MA = Length of Slope / Width
So for this example:
a2
Width
Length of Slope
(8 feet)
Length of Slope (8 feet) / Height (4 feet) = MA = 2
Width
(4 feet)
Example A
6
STEM Challenge
What Can You Design?
These STEM Design and Engineering Challenges introduce you to the wedge and how it can be
used to make work easier for many different tasks. Try out the STEM below or design your own
project using the wedge.
Building a Golf Chipper
This STEM Challenge is designed to use what you
know about the wedge to create a fun new project.
When golfers get close to the green, they need a
special club that will loft the ball into the air and
land softly on the green. This club is called a golf
chipper and uses the design of the wedge to accomplish the desired loft on the ball.
Use additional Rokenbok building components to
build a wedge device that will loft a plastic golf ball
into the air and onto a miniature golf green.
When you have completed your golf chipper,
you can challenge your classmates to a chipping
contest with your new machine.
Other Uses for the Wedge
The wedge is a very useful simple machine. Not only can the mechanical advantage of a wedge
be useful to separate things, it can also be used in many other ways.
Some of these include:
Sledge hammers and jack hammers
Shears, knives, and blades
Pilings and shims
Jack Hammer
7
Assessment
What Have We Learned?
1.
The difference between a wedge and an inclined plane is that the inclined plane is used to lift
objects while the wedge is designed to ___________ materials.
a.
weld
b.
separate
c.
lengthen
d.
shorten
2.
The wedge is really made of one or two ____________________ .
a.
pulleys
b.
levers
c.
screws
d.
inclined planes
3.
Use the information below to determine the mechanical advantage of the wedge.
a.
MA = 2.4
Length of Slope
b.
MA = 4.8
(12 feet)
c.
MA = .416
d.
MA = 60
Width
(5 feet)
Mechanical Advantage of a Wedge
MA = Length of Slope / Width
MA = ________
4.
Which of the following examples is not a wedge?
a.
knife
b.
bicycle wheel
c.
axe
d.
nail
5.
Which math formula is used to find the length of slope of a wedge?
a.
(x + y = z)
b.
2 r
c.
a 2+ b 2= c 2
d.
length of slope/height
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