Machines both simplify and complicate our lives and provide visions of a perfect world.

Extreme Machines, a highly interactive exhibit group, demonstrates the mechanical advantage
machines provide to make work easier in our everyday lives. The exhibit illustrates simple and
complex machines and explores the physics behind our mechanized world. Whether choosing
to lift a car engine or even another human, Extreme Machines allows visitors to determine
the best type of pulley or lever to successfully complete the task. The manipulation of gears,
pulleys, levers and a few more complex contraptions also allow visitors to convert potential
energy to kinetic energy.
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EXTREME MACHINES Summary of Exhibits
EXHIBIT CONCEPTS EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
Pull Yourself Up Mechanical Advantage
Simple/Complex
Machines
This exhibit demonstrates mechanical advantage of the wheel and
axle using chairs attached to three different types of pulleys: a
fixed pulley, a movable pulley and a block and tackle. Visitors sit in
each chair and pull themselves up a short distance.
Dumbbell Gyroscope Gyroscopic Motion
Laws of Motion
Observe changes in the motion of a large two-wheeled gyroscope
by shifting a balance weight and varying the speed of its rotation.
Belts and Pulleys Mechanical Advantage
Simple/Complex Machines
Build pulley arrangements on and between tables, changing
the distance between pulleys, number of connected pulleys, the
diameter of the pulleys and the belt tension.
Bicycle Legs Energy Conversion Coordinate the movement of hydraulic cylinders representing
human leg muscles to pedal a bicycle.
Diferential Mechanical Advantage
Energy Conversion
Simple/Complex Machines
Laws of Motion
A slow motor turns a series of beveled gears that transfer energy to
a pair of cylinders. By stopping one cylinder, visitors can observe
the changes in the other cylinder.
Segway Gyroscopic Motion
Laws of Motion
This Segway is an example of a practical application of gyroscopic
motion.
3 & 5 Fingered Dual
Robotic Arms
Cybernetics/ Robotics This exhibit compares the movements of three and five finger
robotic arms. Move the joystick to control shoulder, elbow and
wrist movement. Press buttons to control fingers. Try to pick up or
stack foam blocks.
Simple Machines Perception of Sound
Melodic Variation
Manipulate a series of pulleys, gears, levers, belts and chains to
convert potential energy into kinetic energy.
Lever Mechanical Advantage
Energy Conversion
Simple/Complex Machines
Visitors use an 18 foot lever to lift a car engine. They can adjust the
amount of force needed by moving up and down the lever arm.
Cybernetic Cybernetics/ Robotics
Prosthetics
Use sensors to operate the artificial arm, ear and eye.
Summary of Exhibits
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EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade
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KINDERGARTEN
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.1 Observe, describe, sort, classify objects
1.2 Participate in simple experiments
1.3 Ask questions, make predictions, communicate observations
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.1 Observe, describe, sort, classify sensory attributes of objects
1.2 Compare, describe the properties of objects
1.3 Observe, describe how objects move

PASS Skills by Grade

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EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade
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GRADE 1
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.1.Observe and Measure
1.2.Compare and Contrast
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Arrange in serial order
3.1 Ask a question
3.2 Plan, conduct an investigation
3.3 Gather data
3.4 Practice Safety, recognize hazards
4.3 Communicate results of investigation
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.1 Objects have properties
1.2 Objects can be grouped with 5 senses

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GRADE 2
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.1 Observe and Measure
1.2.Compare and Contrast
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Arrange in serial order
3.1 Ask a question
3.2 Plan, conduct an investigation
3.3 Gather data
3.4 Practice Safety, recognize hazards
4.3 Communicate results of investigation
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.1 Objects have properties
1.2 Objects can be grouped with 5 senses

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EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade
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GRADE 3
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.2 Compare and Contrast
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Arrange in serial order
3.1 Ask a question
3.2 Plan, conduct an investigation
3.3 Gather data
3.4 Practice Safety, recognize hazards
4.3 Communicate results of investigation
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.1 Objects described as materials/mixtures separated

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EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade
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GRADE 4
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.1 Observe and measure (SI Units)
1.2 Compare and contrast
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Arrange in serial order
3.1 Ask questions/form investigative plans
3.2 Evaluate design of investigation
3.3 Design, conduct investigation
3.4 Practice safety, recognize hazards
4.1 Communicate results with tables, graphs
4.2 Interpret tables, graphs
4.3 Make predictions based on patterns
5.1 Investigate questions diferent ways
5.2 Use measurement tools, technology
5.3 Formulate general statement for data
5.4 Share results
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.1 Position, motion of objects changed by push/pull

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GRADE 5
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.2 Compare and contrast
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Arrange in serial order
3.1 Ask questions/form investigative plans
3.2 Evaluate design of investigation
3.3 Design, conduct investigation
3.4 Practice safety, recognize hazards
4.3 Make predictions based on patterns
5.3 Formulate general statement for data
5.4 Share results
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
1.3 Energy can be transferred

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EXTREME MACHINES PASS Skills by Grade
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GRADE 6
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
1.1 Identify qualitative/quantitative changes
2.1 Classify by observable properties
2.2 Identify properties by which things can be ordered
3.1 Ask questions/form investigative plans
3.2 Evaluate design of investigation
3.3 Identify variables /controls in experimental set-up
3.4 Identify testable hypothesis
3.5 Design/conduct investigation
3.6 Practice safety, recognize hazards
4.1 Use appropriate method to report data
4.3 Evaluate data/develop reasonable explanations, predictions
4.4 Accept or reject hypotheses when given results
4.5 Communicate scientifc procedures/explanations
5.1 Inquiry - Use observation/accurate measurements/identify variables
5.3 Inquiry - Review, summarize data/form logical conclusions
5.4 Inquiry - Formulate/evaluate explanations/suggest alternatives
SCIENCE CONTENT PHYSICAL SCIENCE
2.1 Energy exists in many forms/Energy can be transferred

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EXTREME MACHINES Complex Contraptions
CONCEPTS
Visually introduces the concepts of simple and complex machines,
energy transference and work.
EXTREME MACHINES GROUP EXHIBIT TIE-IN
Simple Machines
Lever
Pull Yourself Up
Belts and Pulleys
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR COMPLEX CONTRAPTIONS TRAINING GAMES
BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF WAR (per class or student group)
2 brooms, broom handles or 1-2dowel rods 20 feet of rope
SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY
20x 30sheet of foam core, plywood or heavy cardboard
chip or nut canister with lid
clay or rocks for weight
masking tape
meter or yard stick
stopwatch, watch or clock with a second hand
scale for measuring additional weight
chair
books
SNACK WARS
a text book
a ruler
a paint stir stick
a plastic spoon
a small block of wood
duct tape or rubber band
miniature marshmallows
meter stick
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EGG-TERMINATORS INQUIRY CHALLENGE
craft sticks
straws
rubber bands
small pulleys or wooden spools
string
paper clips

Complex Contraptions
Teachers Reference Page
assorted nails and screws
assorted cups or containers
scrap wood
glue/tapescissors/rulers
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EXTREME MACHINES Complex Contraptions
SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS
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5.3

5.4

SCIENCE CONTENT - PHYSICAL SCIENCE
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EXTREME MACHINES BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR
MATERIALS NEEDED (PER CLASS OR STUDENT GROUP)
2 brooms, broom handles or 1-2dowel rods
20 feet of rope
Data Sheet
TEST #1
One broomstick and then wrap the rope Place the two broomsticks on a ground parallel to each
other about 3 feet apart.
Tie the rope to around each broom 1 time.
Have two students lift the brooms waist high and have
a third student hold the end of the rope. Have the two broom holders
pull their broomsticks apart as the rope holder attempts to pull them
together by pulling on the end of the rope.
Record the outcome.
TEST #2
Wrap the rope around each broom two times.
Predict what will happen.
Have the same students repeat the test above with the new rope confguration.
Record the outcome.
TEST #3
Would the size of the students pulling the rope or broomsticks afect the outcome?
Make a prediction and test it out.
Record your outcome
TEST #3
Would the number of students pulling the rope or the broomsticks afect the outcome?
Make a prediction and test it out.
Record you outcome.
SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS.
BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR
Exploring the power of pulleys.....
13
EXTREME MACHINES BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR
BLOCK N TACKLE TUG-OF-WAR
Data Sheet
TEST PLAN PREDICTION RESULTS
1 1 student on each broom handle
1 student on the rope.
Rope wrapped 1 time.
2 Same students
Rope wrapped 2 times.
3
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EXTREME MACHINES SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY
MATERIALS NEEDED (PER STUDENT GROUP)
1 20x 30sheet of foam core, plywood or heavy cardboard
1 chip or nut canister with lid
clay or rocks for weight
masking tape
meter or yard stick
stopwatch, watch or clock with a second hand
scale for measuring additional weight
chair
books
WHAT TO DO
Tape a starting line across one end of the board. This will be your racetrack.
Lay the racetrack on the ground, then place the closed canister on the line.
Remove your hand - dont push the canister. Measure the distance the canister moves. Record it
on your data sheet.
Balance the STARTend of the platform on the top of a book. Measure the height of the book. Sit
the closed canister on the line. Let go. Measure the distance.
Repeat the exercise and record the time it takes for the canister to reach the bottom of the track.
Predict what will happen to the distance your canister will roll and the time it takes to reach the
bottom of the track if you increased the height of the racetrack starting point.
Test your hypothesis and record your results.
Does the weight of your canister afect its rolling speed and distance?
Predict what will happen to the canister if you increase the weight by adding rocks or clay?
Test your hypothesis and record your results.
SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY
Exploring the terrain of the inclined plane.
15
EXTREME MACHINES SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY
SLIPPERY SLOPE SPEEDWAY
Data Sheet
PREDICTION (Height of track)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREDICTION (Weight of canister)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________























Summarize your data. Draw conclusions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Share your results.
TRIAL# HEIGHT OF RAMP LENGTH OF ROLL TIME TO BOTTOM
OF TRACK
AMOUNT OF WEIGHT
ADDED
1 0-FLAT RAMP
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EXTREME MACHINES SNACK WARS

MATERIALS NEEDED (PER STUDENT GROUP)
a text book
a ruler
a paint stir stick
a plastic spoon
a small block of wood
duct tape or rubber band
miniature marshmallows
meter stick
SNACK WARS
Investigating the lure of levers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Place a book near the edge of your desk. Slide a ruler under it with 8 inches of it hanging over the edge of the desk.
With your fnger, apply a force to the end of the ruler to lift the book.
Push the ruler further under the book until only 4 inches of it hang over the
edge of the desk.
With your fnger, apply a force to the end of the ruler to lift the book.
In which situation is less force required?
Design a device using the materials provided that will launch marshmallows the
farthest. Your device must meet the following criteria:
Use only the materials provided.
Marshmallow must be touching or resting on the object before it goes into the air. (You can not bat the
marshmallow.)
Keep a log of your plans, tests and results.
Share what youve learned with the class.
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EXTREME MACHINES Complex Contraptions
THE CHALLENGE
Using your knowledge of simple machines, design, build and test a device
that will demolish an egg in a spectacular fashion.
THE RULES
Device must be of your own design.
Device must be composed of 3 or more simple machines.
Once activated, the device must operate hands-free.
Device must break the egg into at least 3 pieces.
Keep a log of your plans, tests and results.
MATERIALS ALLOWED:
craft sticks
straws
rubber bands
small pulleys or wooden spools
string
paper clips
assorted nails and screws
assorted cups or containers
scrap wood
glue/tape/scissors/rulers
Inquiry Challenge-Complex Contraptions
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Childrens Literature Selections EXTREME MACHINES
Gizmo
Barry Varela, Ed Briant (Illustrator)
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Pub. Date: May 2007
ISBN-13: 9781596431157
Age Range: 4 to 8
32pp
When Professor Glink decides to create a perpetual motion machine
replete with a mingle-mangleof pendulums, pulleys, cogs and gears,
the darn contraption soon takes on a life of its own--with hilarious results.
With sensationally complicated illustrations and show-stopping tongue-
twisters, Gizmo may well be the looniest picture book of the year.
If I Built a Car
Chris Van Dusen
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: June 2007
ISBN-13: 9780142408254
Age Range: 4 to 8
40pp
Jack has designed the ultimate fantasy car. Inspired by zeppelins and
trains, Cadillacs and old planes, with brilliant colors and lots of shiny
chrome, this far-out vision is ready to cruise! Theres a freplace, a pool, and
even a snack bar! After a tour of the ritzy interior, Robert the robot starts
up the motor . . . and Jack and his dad set of on the wildest test drive ever!
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Virginia Lee Burton
Publisher: Houghton Mifin Company
Pub. Date: October 1977
ISBN-13: 9780395259399
Age Range: 5 to 8
48pp
Mike Mulligan remains faithful to his steam shovel, Mary Anne, against the
threat of the new gas and Diesel-engine contraptions and digs his way to a
surprising and happy ending
Fiction
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EXTREME MACHINES Childrens Literature Selections
150 Great Science Experiments: Ingenious,
Easy-to-Do Projects Explore and Explain
the Wonders of Science and Technology
Chris Oxlade (Editor)
Publisher: Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Pub. Date: January 2002
ISBN-13: 9780754808435
Age Range: 9 to 12
256pp
All about Machines: Amazing Inventions
That Made Life Easier
Chris Oxlade, Graham Peacock
Publisher: Anness Publishing, Ltd.
Pub. Date: January 2003
ISBN-13: 9781842156940
64pp
What is a machine? How does a machine work? How and why are
machines used? Simple machines from balances and levers to sophisticated
electronic equipment are explained and illustrated. The instructions for
suggested projects include materials and step by step guidance, making
this a practical resource in the classroom or in the home. Children will learn
and have fun reading about how diferent machines work. A glossary, an
index and additional resources page complete this book
Building
Andrew Haslam
Publisher: T&N Childrens Publishing
Pub. Date: June 1997
ISBN-13: 9781587283758
Age Range: 8 to 11
48pp
Hands-on experiments introduce such structures as skyscrapers, dams,
keystone bridges, igloos, and lock gates and show the materials used, the
method of construction, and the source of strength.
Engineering for Every Kid: Easy Activities
That Make Learning Science Fun
Janice VanCleave
Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Pub. Date: March 2007
ISBN-13: 9780471471820
Age Range: 8 to 12
224pp
Now you can discover the answers to these and many other fascinating
questions about engineering for yourself with this fun-flled resource.
Janice VanCleaves Engineering for Every Kid presents entertaining,
challenging experiments and activities to help you understand the
diferent types of engineering there areincluding structural, solar,
electrical, and chemicaland how each is applied to real world everyday
situations.
Each of the activities is broken down into its purpose, a list of easy-to-
fnd materials, step-by-step instructions, expected results, and a simple
scientifc explanation. Plus, the books 25 projects can easily be used in the
classroom, as the basis of a science fair project, or at home just for fun!
Experiments with Simple Machines
Salvatore Tocci, Robert Gardner, Susan Virgilio
Publisher: Childrens Press (CT)
Pub. Date: March 2003
ISBN-13: 9780516226040
Age Range: 8 to 10
48pp
Describes various kinds of simple machines, showing how they can be made
out of easily obtainable objects and detailing experiments that show how they
make tasks easier to perform.
Non-Fiction
20
EXTREME MACHINES Childrens Literature Selections
How to Think Like a Scientist: Answering
Questions by the Scientifc Method
Stephen P. Kramer, Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Pub. Date: March 1987
ISBN-13: 9780690045659
Age Range: 8 to 12
48pp
Every day you answer questions-dozens, even hundreds of them. How do
you fnd the answers to questions? How can you be sure your answers are
correct?
Scientists use questions to learn about things. Scientists have developed a
way of helping make sure they answer questions correctly. It is called the
scientifc method. The scientifc method can help you fnd answers to many
of the questions you are curious about.
What kind of food does your dog like best? Is your sister more likely to help
you with your homework if you say please? Can throwing a dead snake
over a tree branch make it rain? The scientifc method can help you answer
these questions and many others.
Stephen Kramers invitation to think like a scientist, illustrated by Felicia
Bonds humorous and appealing pictures, will receive enthusiastic response
from young readers, scientist and nonscientist alike.
Levers
Niroot Puttapipat
Publisher: Black Rabbit Books
Pub. Date: August 2007
ISBN-13: 9781599200835
Age Range: 9 to 12
32pp
There are levers all around us-from the seesaw in the playground to the
scissors in our homes. But what are levers, and how do they work? This
book answers these questions and many more. With clear text and colorful
illustrations, fnd out what levers do and why they ore useful to us in our
everyday lives.
Machines
David Glover, Jon Barnes
Publisher: Two-Can Publishing, Inc.
Pub. Date: January 1999
ISBN-13: 9781587283574
Age Range: 8 to 11
48pp
A unique blend of imaginative activities, experiments, and science facts
helps develop scientifc thought. This mix of hobby and science teaches
kids to observe, collate information, and reach conclusions. Teaches
scientifc principles through the hands-on process of making science work.
Machines, Transportation and
Art Activities
John Stringer
Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company
Pub. Date: October 2002
ISBN-13: 9780778711445
Age Range: 8 to 9
48pp
Information about various topics related to machines, especially those used
for transportation, forms the foundation for a variety of craft projects.
Mighty Machines
Shar Levine, Leslie Johnstone,
Steve Harpster (Illustrator)
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Pub. Date: August 2006
ISBN-13: 9781402740510
Age Range: 9 to 12
48pp
How do machines work? Kids will have a blast constructing a mini-seesaw
to illustrate the way a lever operates or creating their very own pulley
from an empty spool, string, ribbon, pails, pennies, a broom, and two
chairs. Theyll fnd out why they cant put in a screw using only their
fngers and examine the diferent parts of compound machines. In another
experiment, a childs bicycle becomes a laboratory for understanding
whether wheels have to be smooth to run.
21
EXTREME MACHINES Childrens Literature Selections
Pulleys and Gears
David Glover
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pub. Date: April 2006
ISBN-13: 9781403485939
Age Range: 7 to 9
24pp
Introduces the principles of pulleys and gears as simple machines, using
examples from everyday life.
Ramps and Wedges
David Glover
Publisher: Heinemann
Pub. Date: April 2006
ISBN-13: 9781403485656
Age Range: 7 to 9
24pp
Uses a variety of examples, from scissors and axes to zippers and hairpin
turns, to demonstrate the power of the inclined plane and show how
ramps and wedges make work and play easier.
Sensational Science Projects with Simple
Machines
Robert Gardner, Tom LaBaf (Illustrator)
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Incorporated
Pub. Date: January 2006
ISBN-13: 9780766025851
Age Range: 8 to 9
48pp
How can a 50-pound boy lift a 200-pound man? How does a wheelbarrow
work? Is it easier to roll a toy truck up an inclined plane or just pick it
straight up? The experiments in this book will show how simple machines
work and explain some elementary principles of physical science. All you
need are some simple materials, most of which can be found around your
home, school, or neighborhood.
Screws
Chris Oxlade
Publisher: Black Rabbit Books
Pub. Date: August 2007
ISBN-13: 9781599200859
Age Range: 9 to 12
32pp
Describes what screws are and how they work, diferent kinds of screws
and their uses, and other facts about screws.
Wheels and Cranks
David Glover
Publisher: Heinemann
Pub. Date: April 2006
ISBN-13: 9781403485687
Age Range: 7 to 9
24pp
Introduces the principles of wheels and cranks as simple machines, using
examples from everyday life.
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EXTREME MACHINES Website Selections
Simple Machines
Edtechs simple machine resource/index page
http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/simmach.html
Simple machine lesson plan with experiments and follow-up activities
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/Summer_Training/KaeAvenueES/SIMPLE_MACHINES.html
Museum of Sciences Leonardos Workshop with interactives for students and classroom activities for teachers
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsWorkshop.html
Simple machine information for elementary students
http://www.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/scienceles1/fnalhome.htm
University of Rhode Islands Work is Simple with Simple Machineslesson plan and classroom activities
http://www.ed.uri.edu/SMART96/ELEMSC/SMARTmachines/machine.html
Dynamic Science simple machine activity index page
http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions/hydraulicus/simplemachinesindex.htm
Complex Machines/Contraptions
Rube Goldberg site with art gallery
http://www.rubegoldberg.com/
Wacky complex machine lesson plans
http://www.edheads.org/activities/lesson_plans/pdf/sm_01.pdf
How Stuf Works diferential page
http://auto.howstufworks.com/diferential.htm
Step-by-step plans for building an Archimedes screw
http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=413663&seqNum=4
How Stuf Works block and tackle page
http://www.howstufworks.com/pulley.htm
Website Selections
23
EXTREME MACHINES Website Selections
A Newtons Apple activity page on prosthetic limbs
http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/lessons/newton/prosthetic05.html
Exploratoriums Science of Cycling
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/
Dynamic Sciences geartrain/gear ratio page with interactives and gear math activities
http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions/hydraulicus/gears.htm