Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and apply basic principles of physics related to engineering and mechanics.

Materials and Prep

• Pencil and paper
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Calculator (optional)
• No prior knowledge required

Activities

1. Activity 1: Building a Simple Machine

   Using everyday materials such as cardboard, tape, and popsicle sticks, design and construct a simple machine, such as a lever or pulley. Test its functionality and observe how it helps in performing work.

2. Activity 2: Forces and Motion

   Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Conduct experiments by pushing or pulling objects of different masses and measuring the resulting acceleration. Record your observations and analyze the data to identify patterns.

3. Activity 3: Energy Conversion

   Explore the concept of energy conversion by building a small-scale model of a roller coaster. Use marbles or small balls to simulate the movement of a roller coaster car, and observe how potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Calculate the maximum potential energy at different points of the track.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Physics is the branch of science that deals with matter and energy and how they interact."
• "Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design and create structures, machines, and systems."
• "Mechanics is a branch of physics that focuses on the motion, forces, and energy of objects."
• "Simple machines are devices that make work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of a force."
• "Forces are pushes or pulls that can change an object's motion or shape."
• "Acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes."
• "Energy is the ability to do work, and it can be converted from one form to another."
• "Potential energy is stored energy that an object has due to its position or condition."
• "Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion."