Introduction

Throughout this WebQuest you will be introduced to an artist/inventor named Leonardo da Vinci who used his many talents and interests to create inventions that used simple machines.  You will learn the names and definitions of the six simple machines.  You will also be expected to create your own invention using two or more simple machines - creating a complex machine that will solve a specific problem.  You will be responsible for compiling a portfolio with all lesson related assignments and information which will be collected and evaluated by the teacher.
 
 
 
 

Prior to the ultimate task, research Leonardo da Vinci's background (biography) and works related to simple machines.  This includes playing a game that challenges you to think like him.  Then, research the 6 basic simple machines ( lever, pulley, screw, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge) and what their uses are - identifying their uses and definitions - completing a teacher-made worksheet.

To get the job you must invent a complex machine using two or more simple machines that will solve one of the following problems:

Day I:  Introduce yourself to a famous artist/inventor, Leonardo da Vinci.  Find and print a picture of da Vinci to include in your portfolio.  Then, using one of the three sites below, gather information and complete the Leonardo mini-biography prepared by your teacher.

Finally, using a blank example of a world map, label where Leonardo grew up by drawing a red square around that area.  Then, label where you live on the same map placing a green circle around your area.  Be sure to put all your information in your portfolio upon completion.

Day II:  Visit Leo's Mysterious Machinery where you will play a game that asks you to think like Leonardo da Vinci.  He drew some sketches that included simple machines to solve certain problems that the world was facing during his time.  You have to guess what the machine was supposed to be used for.  It's a lot of fun and you might just learn something new.  Be sure to go in order and try all 8!  GOOD LUCK!

After playing the game, research simple machines using the provided possible sites.

Complete a worksheet identifying all 6 of the simple machines, their definitions and uses, and then include a drawing that goes with each.

Day III:  To see what you learned from yesterday's lesson, take a brief simple machines quiz on line.  You now need to choose the problem to solve from the task section.  Use the next couple days at home to design a complex machine and submit a drawing of your idea to the teacher by Day V, _______________________.  Simple machines found within the drawing must be labeled.  This day may be used to complete any past assignments that were not completed for your portfolio.

Day V:  Drawings of your complex machines are due!  Upon approval from the teacher, you may begin constructing your complex machine at home. You will be allowed one school-week of working at home to complete your inventions.  All final inventions are due in by _____________________________.

Day X:  Inventions are due!  Using a LINKS template, you will explain how your invention will solve the problem you chose from the task section of this WebQuest.  There must be a total of at least 3 details used in the writing process.  Place your completed writing piece in your portfolio for teacher evaluation.

Days XI and XII:  Invention experimentation days!  Try your luck and see whether your invention would actually accomplish the task that you set out to solve.  It's now or never!  Will you be the inventor that is hired for the job?  We'll find out on these days!

In your portfolio you should include:

-  a picture of Leonardo da Vinci (2 pts.)
-  mini-biography of Leonardo da Vinci (5 pts.)
-  a world map locating da Vinci's childhood home in relation to your   home in Winchendon (3 pts.)
- worksheet describing the 6 simple machines, examples of their uses, and sketches of each simple machine (18 pts.)
-  a drawn picture of the invention - labeling the simple machines that were used to create it (12 pts.)
- a LINKS template explaining how your invention will solve one of the two problems at Memorial School (20 pts.)
- the completed complex invention (40 pts.)
 

Upon completion of this WebQuest you will have learned what the six simple machines are and how they are used.  You will have been introduced to a famous artist/inventor who used simple machines to create problem solving machines.  You will have created your own complex machine preparing you for the challenges of solving real life problems.  You will have compiled a portfolio to use as a future reference.

Thanks to Deb Barrett who instructed me through what seemed like an impossible act.