1. A Hands-on Workshop for Primary-Junior-Intermediate Science and Technology Teachers Susan Sitter Terry Wilkinson Richard Michaud OCTE Conference 2009 Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: From Frames to Cranes

2. Technological Problem Solving Critical aspects: careful planning; purposeful selection of tools and materials; testing, retesting, and modifications of a product or process; communicating about the solution; recommending changes or improvements.

3. www.technologyiselementary.com/?q=node/1

4. T P S Skills Continuum

10. Goals of the S & T Curriculum 1.to relate science and technology to society and the environment 2.to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry and technological problem solving 3. to understand the basic concepts of science and technology

11. Grade 1 – MATERIALS, OBJECTS, AND EVERYDAY STRUCTURES Objects have observable characteristics (e.g., texture, height, shape, colour) and are made from materials (e.g., wood, plastic, steel, paper, polystyrene foam, cloth). Materials have specific properties (e.g., rigid, flexible, solid, and smooth).

12. Grade 1 – MATERIALS, OBJECTS, AND EVERYDAY STRUCTURES An object is held together by its structure (i.e., a supporting framework). The materials and structure of an object determine its purpose. Structures are made from materials that are well suited for the tasks they do (e.g., sandpaper is rough to help take the rough edges off wood).

13. Supporting frameworks

14. Grade 2 – MOVEMENT Movement is a change in the position of an object (e.g., turning, spinning, swinging, bouncing, vibrating, rolling). Simple machines help objects to move (e.g., by pushing, by pulling, by dropping).

16. A pulley is a groovy wheel

17. Rolling Frame

18. Grade 2 – MOVEMENT Mechanisms are made up of one or more simple machines. (i.e., using a ramp allows people in wheelchairs to move from one level to another; using a pulley makes it easier to lift a load). Simple machines and mechanisms make life easier and/or more enjoyable for humans (e.g., using a wheelchair allows people with disabilities to be more independent).

20. Grade 3 – STRONG & STABLE STRUCTURES A structure has both form and function. What are some structures that we see or use every day that we depend on to be strong and stable? What is the positive and negative impact of homes, shopping plazas, playgrounds, and bridges built by humans?

21. Grade 3 – STRONG & STABLE STRUCTURES Structures are affected by forces acting on them. What is the effect of adding weight to the base of a tower on the stability of the tower? Structures need to be strong and stable to be useful. Triangulation or cross-members can improve a structure’s strength. Stability is improved by lowering the centre of gravity.

23. Grade 3 – FORCES CAUSING MOVEMENT There are several types of forces that cause movement. Magnetism, muscular force, gravitational force, or friction can cause an object to start, stop, attract, repel, or change direction. Design and build devices that use forces to create controlled movement (e.g., a crane that lifts a load).

24. Crane with Winder

26. Grade 4 – PULLEYS AND GEARS Pulleys and gears change the speed, direction, and motion of, and force exerted on, moving objects. Pulleys and gears make it possible for a small input force to generate a large output force. Design, build, and test a model drawbridge for a castle.

27. Swinging Frames

28. Further connections Grade 4 – ROCKS AND MINERALS Grade 5 – FORCES ACTING ON STRUCTURES & MECHANISMS Grade 6 – ELECTRICITY AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES

29. Grade 7 – FORM AND FUNCTION Structures have a purpose. A crane is a lifting machine that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. The form of a structure is dependent on its function. The structural design of a crane is dependent on location and purpose.

31. Grade 7 – FORM AND FUNCTION The interaction between structures and forces is predictable. The centre of gravity of a structure affects the structure’s stability. Faulty construction, foundation failure, & extraordinary loads can cause cranes to collapse.

33. Grade 8 – SYSTEMS IN ACTION Systems are designed to accomplish tasks. Cranes are commonly employed in the transportation, construction and manufacturing industries. These industries impact both positively and negatively on society, the economy, and the environment. All systems include an input and an output. Cranes use one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage (i.e., lever, pulley, hydraulic cylinder).

34. UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS Picture Frame (Sue) Drawbridge (Terry) Hydraulic Crane (Rick)