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Lego Wheels & Axles

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Page 1: Lego Wheels & Axles

-,k•st",

LEGO Dacta is t h e l d i v i s i o n of the LEGO Group,

Page 2: Lego Wheels & Axles

LEGO DACTA®Wheel andhie Set

Contents

Activities

Objectives

Dis tr ibuted by:L EG O D AC IA AROK-7190Denmark

L EG O anti D AC TA n e tradcaveks o f the L EO 0 Ga m,.@ 1995 @id 1998 The LEGO Group.

Introduction

This booklet has been developed by teachers to supportand guide you andiour students throuyour explorationof the LEGO DACTA Wheel and Axle Set (119616).The booklet contains:• Information about wheels and axles• Simple hands-on activities for wheels and axles• Drawings of possible solutions

Activities for exploring concepts (pages 3-7),investigating principles (pages 9-11), and solvingproblems (pages 12-15) are included for elementarystudents of varying abilities,The activities foster and enhance cooperative learning inteams of two students per building set.

After performing the activities in this booklet, studentswill be able to:• Define a wheel and axle as a simple machine.• Build a wheeled model which turns a corner easily.• Build a wheeled model which transports a load.• Build a model which uses a wheel traced by a crank

handle.• Have fun with wheels and axles!

Building Element Survey4 each, small Lim, black

4 2 each, axle 4 studs long,4 0° S) black

6 Leach, axle_6 studniong,black

10

2 each, large Mu, black

6 each, hub, yellow

1 each, axle 10 studs long,black

12 1 each, axle 12 studs long,black

szoir 2 each, plate with teeth,yellow

e - M 11 e a ch , h a nd l eb a r, gray

O r1 each , crank, gray

p 6 each, small pulley, gray

a6 each, bushing, gray

1 each, catch, gray

0 1.9 8 each, axletconnector peg,

gray

t Eti ) I each, 2 x 2 round plate,

white

1 each, 2 x 2 round plate,yellow

2 each, 1 x 2 plate, yellow

2 each, I x 4 plate, yel low

2 each,_ I x 10 plat, yellow

2 each, 2 x 4 plate withholes, yellow

-88-81E

4 each, 2 x 8 plate withholes, yellow

Isk 2 each, i x 2 angled beam,

red

8 each, I x 2 beam, red

1 each, steering wheel, gray

2 each, 1 a 12 beam, red

1 each, string, black

I each, figure, girl

S t e nanes LEGO and LEGO D AC TA mei tie LEGO logo roe exclusive liadetniaks IN T R EL 2 G 0 AC ,Printed ie Denmark by Lama ta lande r . e 1995 LEGO Group. ISBN 1-579561113.6. 19

Page 3: Lego Wheels & Axles

Idea for a test track.

18 MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE

About the WheelWe generally think of a wheel as a solid disk or as a circular ring with spokes, designed to turnaround a smaller axle (a rod) passing through its center. The idea of a wheel to help moveheavy objects has been around for more than 5,000 years. We do not know who invented thewheel, but most likely it originated in Mesopotamia (the area of present-day Iraq).

small are

Round wooden rollers were used befbre axles were invented.

This example of a solid wheel Jr nr n

Mesopotamia, about 3,000 B.C., has twowooden semicircles Astened together

The wheel and axle combination is one of the simple machines. The wheel and the attachedaxle both turn at the same speed. However, the force needed to turn one or the other differsbecause the diameter of the wheel is generally larger than that of the axle. Applying a smallforce to turn the larger wheel produces a larger force to turn the smaller axle, as in a winch,for example. Familiarize yourself with wheels and axles by working through activities onpages 4-7. Photocopy the drawings on pages 16-17 for easy reference.You may wish to provide these activities to your students as well.Elements from the LEGO DACTA Wheel and Axle building set.

large tim hub

This spoked wheel is typicalof those used by the Rontans

amund 100 AD.

axlekonnector peg3

Page 4: Lego Wheels & Axles

About the Wheel W h e e l and Axle Concept ModelsExplore Sliding versus Rolling(Photocopy master on page 16)

• Build modelSlide your model across different surfaces, such as a tabletopand a carpet.Notice how hard you must push to make your model slide.• Add more elements to build model 2.Now that you have added wheels and axles, push your modelacross the same surfaces. What is the difference?(You-do not-have to push as hard to-make-the model move,The wheels have reduced the friction.)• Add more elements to build model 3.Make sure the wheels can turn freely. Predict what happenswhen you push your model on the end and on the side.(You do not have to push it very hard on the end to make itmove in the direction the wheels are facing. When you pushon the side, the model usually slides instead of rolls.)

• Make a ramp.Let your model roll down the ramp. How far did it travel?Explore how to make it go farther.

• Change two wheels for larger ones to build model 4.Predict how far your model will go now when you let it rolldown the ramp.Try it! (Usually it will go farther than model 3, because thelarger heavier wheels tend to keep turning/or a longer time)• Main ideas:It takes less force to push a wheeled object than to slide a non-wheeled object.Larger wheels tend tokeep turning for alonger time.

A , Model 1

AL Model 2

S Model 3

a S l o p e

,Ah„ Model 4

Model 5: Single Axle M o d e l 6: Separate Axles—

Model 7: Rollers

HAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE 17

Page 5: Lego Wheels & Axles

Wheel and Axle Concept ModelsModel I: Sliding

Model 3: Coasting

16

Model 2: Rolling

Model 4: Coasting

MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE

About the WheelExplore Single versus Separate Axles(Photocopy master on page 16.)

• Build model 5Note the single axle connecting bothwheels.Push the model so that only one wheelrolls along a surface as shown. Whathappens to the other wheel? (The otherwheel turns as well. Both wheelsare connected to the same axle.)

• Also build model 6Note that each wheel had its own axle.Push the model so that only one wheelrolls along a surface as shown.What happens to the other wheel?(The other wheel does not turn.Each wheel has its own axle.)

• Explore with both model5 and model &Predict which modelturns corners easier,(The wheel on the outside of the turn has to roll farther thanthe wheel on the inside of the turn. The model with separateaxles turns corners easier because each wheel rolls as far asit needs to roll. The model with the single axle does not turncorners easily because both wheels try to mli the samedistance.)

• Main ideas:An outside wheel must rolla greater distance on a turnthan an inside wheel.Wheels on separate axlesturn corners easily becauseeach wheel rolls as far as itneeds to roll.

5

Page 6: Lego Wheels & Axles

About the WheelExplore Wheels as Rollers(Photocopy master on page IT)Wheels do not have to roll on the ground to be effective.Roller conveyors use wheels to move objects easily byreducing friction.

• Build model 7Note the use of small 2-studbeams beneath each long beam.Push the load (2x8 plate)along the conveyor.Then-push-the—load— - - a —across the table top. • ;[111110 o l -

Can you feel adifference?(The load is easier topush along the rollerconveyor because therollers reduce friction.)Predict what happens when youtilt the roller conveyor and let theload roll down as shown.(The load moves down along theconveyor without needing a push.It is pulled downward by theforce of gravity.)

• Main idea:Wheels can be used as rollers to reduce friction

A . Model 7

v i r e

Notes for: Carry All• Building HintsThe device should have a platform or anenclosed area for the litter bag and tools.The wheelbarrow (Solution Idea I below)is easy to steer. However, you must lift up onthe handles.The four-wheeled cart (Solution Idea 2below) is a typical possibility. The frontwheels should be on separate axles so that thecart can be steered easily. A three-wheeledcart solution is alsQ possible

• Extra materialsStudents can use paper,cardboard, and craft slicks formaking tools and litter bags.

• Testing the SolutionDoes your device hold all the bags and tools?How easily can you steer the device around acurvy track? (See page 18I

• ExtensionChange your design so that Joe can ride. Alsoprovide a roof to keep Joe dry when it rains,

15

Page 7: Lego Wheels & Axles

Carry All

Joe likes to keep the park clean and tomake sure the flowers and shrubs arecared for. He has to carry his litter bagand lots of tools.

Invent and build a device to help Joe that:

• can carry his bag and tools.

• is easy to steer.

14 P R O B L E M SOLVING COPYMASTER 2

About the WheelExplore the Wheel and Axle as a WinchA wheel does not have to be a solid disk. In a winch, the wheelis the circular path traced in the air by the crank handle. Thiswheel turns an axle which winds up a rope or cable to lift orlower a load.

• Build model B.(Photocopy master on page 17.)Predict what happens when you turnthe handle.(The handle of the winch traces acircle in the air. The winch lifts orlowers the load when you turnthe handle.)Point out the axle on your winch.(The axle is the rod that winds upthe string.)Point out the wheel on your winch.(The wheel is the circle traced inthe air by the handle.)Explore different handles on yourwinch. Is one easier to turn than theothers'?(In general, loads are easier to lift with a handle that turnsthrough a large circle.)

• Main ideas:Not all wheels are solid disks.The larger the circle traced by the crank handle on a winch,the smaller the force needed to lift the load.

F t4U• ,

AIL Model 8

Handles from the set:

Handlebars

Crank

l e I t i r e-311 S o '

Steering wheel

7

Page 8: Lego Wheels & Axles

Assessment IdeasWheel and AxleSummary

Process andInquiry Skills

Critical ThinkingSkills

8

Challenge students to find examples of wheels and axlesbeing used in the world about them.

Can they point out these main ideas in their examples?

• I t takes less force to push a wheeled object than to slidea non-wheeled object.

• Larger wheels tend to keep turning for a longer time.

• An outside wheel must roll a greater distance on a turnt h a n aninsidewheel.

• Wheels on separate axles turn corners easily becauseeach wheel rolls as far as it needs to roll.

• Wheels can be used as rollers to reduce friction.

• Not all wheels are solid disks.

• The larger the circle traced by the crank handle ona winch, the smaller the force needed to lift the load.

Cause and effect

Predicting

Observing

Hypothesizing

Measuring

Problem Solving

Inferring

Communicating

Gathering and recalling information

Understanding and interpreting data and information

Applying what is learned to solve problems in newsituations

Analyzing a problem into its component parts.

Synthesizing various aspects or components into a newwhole to solve a problem

Evaluating one's own work

Notes for: Big Squeeze• Building HintsPairs of wheels or hubs roBing against each othercan be used to squeeze water out of sponges or cloths.A large handle (large circle traced in the air)is easier to turn than a small one.

• Extra MaterialsDip small pieces of sponge (about 1/2" by 1/2" by 3")or cloth (about 3" by 3") into water. Squeeze outthe excess water before using the device.

• Testing the SolutionDoes the device remove any waterfrom the sponge or cloth?Does the sponge or cloth still dripafter going through the device?

• ExtensionChange the design of your model towork with thicker sponges or largercloths.

13

Page 9: Lego Wheels & Axles

Big Squeeze

Sam, Sarah, and their friends are earningextra money by washing cars.They are having difficulty getting all thewater out of the sponges and washcloths.

Invent and build a device to help Samand Sarah that:

• uses wheels to squeeze water out ofa sponge or cloth.

• is easy to operate.

12 P R O B L E M SOLVING COPYMASTER I

Notes for Building Card IStudents can investigate different wheel and axle arrangementsand different wheel sizes using Building Card I from theirWheel and Axle set.

Instructions for your students appear below. Answers areshown in parentheses.

• Build the model, following the instructions through step 6.Predict how easy it will be to steer the model around corners.

• Drive your model around a test track (see page 18) to testthe steering. w k 1 k6pe v w 7.

(The model is somewhat difficult to steer because both frontwheels are on the same axle.)

• Change the model as shown in step 9 so that each frontwheel has its own axle. Predict how easy it will be to steerthis model around corners now.

• Drive this model around the test track to test your_Radjsat ima. ( T he m od el is eas ie r to steer because each front

wheel can turn independently)

• Remove the steering wheel and replace it with handles orother means of turning the vertical axle, What is your favorite?n y ?

• Let your vehicle roll down a ramp. Measure how far it travels.

0 • Change your model once more as shown in step 13 by1 add ing larger wheels.1 W i l l this model roll as far as the one in step 9 if you release

it at the same spot on the ramp? T a ps_ l i c t i o n .(Most likely, this model will mll farthen)

Page 10: Lego Wheels & Axles

Notes for Building Card 2Students can investigate how a roller conveyor helps to moveobjects using Building Card 2 from their Wheel and Axle set.

Instructions for your students appear below. Answers areshown in parentheses.

• Build the model, following the instructions through step 5.

• Move the load along the rollers from one end to the other.Then push the load along you tabletop and along the foot-Which-requires the JeRSII Minima a Inrce9(Pushing the load along the rollers requires the least amountoffome. The Inners reduce the friction.)

• Change your model as shown in step 11.Place the load on the rollers and release it. What battens?(The load rolls down the incline by itself Many rollerconveyors in factories are slightly inclined to help move loadsmore easily)

• Remove the red beam beneath the base so that the rollerconveyor sits flat once more. Place the load on the rollers andraise one end of the conveyor until the load mills down by

1Measend of the base. (c 16.-A

10

• Change your model as shown in step 15.Use the handle shown or add your own handle ofchoice. What haupens when you turn the handlc?(The load is pulled to the conveyor and then ispulled up onto the rollers.)

0 5 Ho w might this model be used in real life?(Answers vary. It could be used to pull aheavy object up onto the bed of a truck)

'Race the wheel used to move the load.(The wheel is the circle traced in the airby the crank handle. The rollers alsohelp to move the load.)

1.ed1Aliti

_r_oelfStrz

A l re ts , to ;

Building Card Extension IdeasBuilding Card ILet's Go to the Rates!Challenge student teams to design andbuild racing cars based on building cardSet up a class ramp with a staffing line.Student teams release their cars at thestarting line and mark with masking tapehow far they coast across the footMeasure the distances to the pieces of tape.Then make the ramp steeperand have thestudent teams repeat the experiment. Isanything different? Do the cars coast fartherwhen released down the steeper ramp?Ask students for ideas why some cars coast farther than others.To add excitement to the activity, let two student teams release their ears at the same time.For a more difficult activity, mark off a finishing line a modest distance from the rampand challenge student teams to release their cars from a spot somewhere on the ramp suchthat the cars will coast as close to the line as possible but not cross it.

Building Card 2Let's Go to the Movies!For this activity you will need some extra materials:paper, scissors, cellophane tape, and pencils or markers.Change model 8 as shown in the adjacent drawing.Install two tires and hubs on axles at each end of theconveyor frame. Connect a handle to one of the axles.Cut out a strip of paper long enough to fit like a beltaround the two sets of wheels.Divide the paper belt into small frames or panels. Draw asequence of action pictures, one in each frame. Place the beltaround the wheels as shown and secure the ends with tape.Cut a hole in another paper strip as shown and tape it to thetop of the model. Turn the handle and watch your movie!

11

Page 11: Lego Wheels & Axles

Notes for Building Card 2Students can investigate how a roller conveyor helps to moveobjects using Building Card 2 from their Wheel and Axle set.

Instructions for your students appear below. Answers areshown in parentheses.

• Build the model, following the instructions through step 5.

• Move the load along the rollers from one end to the other.Then push the load along you tabletop and along the foot-Which-requires the JeRSII Minima a Inrce9(Pushing the load along the rollers requires the least amountoffome. The Inners reduce the friction.)

• Change your model as shown in step 11.Place the load on the rollers and release it. What battens?(The load rolls down the incline by itself Many rollerconveyors in factories are slightly inclined to help move loadsmore easily)

• Remove the red beam beneath the base so that the rollerconveyor sits flat once more. Place the load on the rollers andraise one end of the conveyor until the load mills down by

1Measend of the base. (c 16.-A

10

• Change your model as shown in step 15.Use the handle shown or add your own handle ofchoice. What haupens when you turn the handlc?(The load is pulled to the conveyor and then ispulled up onto the rollers.)

0 5 Ho w might this model be used in real life?(Answers vary. It could be used to pull aheavy object up onto the bed of a truck)

'Race the wheel used to move the load.(The wheel is the circle traced in the airby the crank handle. The rollers alsohelp to move the load.)

1.ed1Aliti

_r_oelfStrz

A l re ts , to ;

Building Card Extension IdeasBuilding Card ILet's Go to the Rates!Challenge student teams to design andbuild racing cars based on building cardSet up a class ramp with a staffing line.Student teams release their cars at thestarting line and mark with masking tapehow far they coast across the footMeasure the distances to the pieces of tape.Then make the ramp steeperand have thestudent teams repeat the experiment. Isanything different? Do the cars coast fartherwhen released down the steeper ramp?Ask students for ideas why some cars coast farther than others.To add excitement to the activity, let two student teams release their ears at the same time.For a more difficult activity, mark off a finishing line a modest distance from the rampand challenge student teams to release their cars from a spot somewhere on the ramp suchthat the cars will coast as close to the line as possible but not cross it.

Building Card 2Let's Go to the Movies!For this activity you will need some extra materials:paper, scissors, cellophane tape, and pencils or markers.Change model 8 as shown in the adjacent drawing.Install two tires and hubs on axles at each end of theconveyor frame. Connect a handle to one of the axles.Cut out a strip of paper long enough to fit like a beltaround the two sets of wheels.Divide the paper belt into small frames or panels. Draw asequence of action pictures, one in each frame. Place the beltaround the wheels as shown and secure the ends with tape.Cut a hole in another paper strip as shown and tape it to thetop of the model. Turn the handle and watch your movie!

11

Page 12: Lego Wheels & Axles

Big Squeeze

Sam, Sarah, and their friends are earningextra money by washing cars.They are having difficulty getting all thewater out of the sponges and washcloths.

Invent and build a device to help Samand Sarah that:

• uses wheels to squeeze water out ofa sponge or cloth.

• is easy to operate.

12 P R O B L E M SOLVING COPYMASTER I

Notes for Building Card IStudents can investigate different wheel and axle arrangementsand different wheel sizes using Building Card I from theirWheel and Axle set.

Instructions for your students appear below. Answers areshown in parentheses.

• Build the model, following the instructions through step 6.Predict how easy it will be to steer the model around corners.

• Drive your model around a test track (see page 18) to testthe steering. w k 1 k6pe v w 7.

(The model is somewhat difficult to steer because both frontwheels are on the same axle.)

• Change the model as shown in step 9 so that each frontwheel has its own axle. Predict how easy it will be to steerthis model around corners now.

• Drive this model around the test track to test your_Radjsat ima. ( T he m od el is eas ie r to steer because each front

wheel can turn independently)

• Remove the steering wheel and replace it with handles orother means of turning the vertical axle, What is your favorite?n y ?

• Let your vehicle roll down a ramp. Measure how far it travels.

0 • Change your model once more as shown in step 13 by1 add ing larger wheels.1 W i l l this model roll as far as the one in step 9 if you release

it at the same spot on the ramp? T a ps_ l i c t i o n .(Most likely, this model will mll farthen)

Page 13: Lego Wheels & Axles

Assessment IdeasWheel and AxleSummary

Process andInquiry Skills

Critical ThinkingSkills

8

Challenge students to find examples of wheels and axlesbeing used in the world about them.

Can they point out these main ideas in their examples?

• I t takes less force to push a wheeled object than to slidea non-wheeled object.

• Larger wheels tend to keep turning for a longer time.

• An outside wheel must roll a greater distance on a turnt h a n aninsidewheel.

• Wheels on separate axles turn corners easily becauseeach wheel rolls as far as it needs to roll.

• Wheels can be used as rollers to reduce friction.

• Not all wheels are solid disks.

• The larger the circle traced by the crank handle ona winch, the smaller the force needed to lift the load.

Cause and effect

Predicting

Observing

Hypothesizing

Measuring

Problem Solving

Inferring

Communicating

Gathering and recalling information

Understanding and interpreting data and information

Applying what is learned to solve problems in newsituations

Analyzing a problem into its component parts.

Synthesizing various aspects or components into a newwhole to solve a problem

Evaluating one's own work

Notes for: Big Squeeze• Building HintsPairs of wheels or hubs roBing against each othercan be used to squeeze water out of sponges or cloths.A large handle (large circle traced in the air)is easier to turn than a small one.

• Extra MaterialsDip small pieces of sponge (about 1/2" by 1/2" by 3")or cloth (about 3" by 3") into water. Squeeze outthe excess water before using the device.

• Testing the SolutionDoes the device remove any waterfrom the sponge or cloth?Does the sponge or cloth still dripafter going through the device?

• ExtensionChange the design of your model towork with thicker sponges or largercloths.

13

Page 14: Lego Wheels & Axles

Carry All

Joe likes to keep the park clean and tomake sure the flowers and shrubs arecared for. He has to carry his litter bagand lots of tools.

Invent and build a device to help Joe that:

• can carry his bag and tools.

• is easy to steer.

14 P R O B L E M SOLVING COPYMASTER 2

About the WheelExplore the Wheel and Axle as a WinchA wheel does not have to be a solid disk. In a winch, the wheelis the circular path traced in the air by the crank handle. Thiswheel turns an axle which winds up a rope or cable to lift orlower a load.

• Build model B.(Photocopy master on page 17.)Predict what happens when you turnthe handle.(The handle of the winch traces acircle in the air. The winch lifts orlowers the load when you turnthe handle.)Point out the axle on your winch.(The axle is the rod that winds upthe string.)Point out the wheel on your winch.(The wheel is the circle traced inthe air by the handle.)Explore different handles on yourwinch. Is one easier to turn than theothers'?(In general, loads are easier to lift with a handle that turnsthrough a large circle.)

• Main ideas:Not all wheels are solid disks.The larger the circle traced by the crank handle on a winch,the smaller the force needed to lift the load.

F t4U• ,

AIL Model 8

Handles from the set:

Handlebars

Crank

l e I t i r e-311 S o '

Steering wheel

7

Page 15: Lego Wheels & Axles

About the WheelExplore Wheels as Rollers(Photocopy master on page IT)Wheels do not have to roll on the ground to be effective.Roller conveyors use wheels to move objects easily byreducing friction.

• Build model 7Note the use of small 2-studbeams beneath each long beam.Push the load (2x8 plate)along the conveyor.Then-push-the—load— - - a —across the table top. • ;[111110 o l -

Can you feel adifference?(The load is easier topush along the rollerconveyor because therollers reduce friction.)Predict what happens when youtilt the roller conveyor and let theload roll down as shown.(The load moves down along theconveyor without needing a push.It is pulled downward by theforce of gravity.)

• Main idea:Wheels can be used as rollers to reduce friction

A . Model 7

v i r e

Notes for: Carry All• Building HintsThe device should have a platform or anenclosed area for the litter bag and tools.The wheelbarrow (Solution Idea I below)is easy to steer. However, you must lift up onthe handles.The four-wheeled cart (Solution Idea 2below) is a typical possibility. The frontwheels should be on separate axles so that thecart can be steered easily. A three-wheeledcart solution is alsQ possible

• Extra materialsStudents can use paper,cardboard, and craft slicks formaking tools and litter bags.

• Testing the SolutionDoes your device hold all the bags and tools?How easily can you steer the device around acurvy track? (See page 18I

• ExtensionChange your design so that Joe can ride. Alsoprovide a roof to keep Joe dry when it rains,

15

Page 16: Lego Wheels & Axles

Wheel and Axle Concept ModelsModel I: Sliding

Model 3: Coasting

16

Model 2: Rolling

Model 4: Coasting

MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE

About the WheelExplore Single versus Separate Axles(Photocopy master on page 16.)

• Build model 5Note the single axle connecting bothwheels.Push the model so that only one wheelrolls along a surface as shown. Whathappens to the other wheel? (The otherwheel turns as well. Both wheelsare connected to the same axle.)

• Also build model 6Note that each wheel had its own axle.Push the model so that only one wheelrolls along a surface as shown.What happens to the other wheel?(The other wheel does not turn.Each wheel has its own axle.)

• Explore with both model5 and model &Predict which modelturns corners easier,(The wheel on the outside of the turn has to roll farther thanthe wheel on the inside of the turn. The model with separateaxles turns corners easier because each wheel rolls as far asit needs to roll. The model with the single axle does not turncorners easily because both wheels try to mli the samedistance.)

• Main ideas:An outside wheel must rolla greater distance on a turnthan an inside wheel.Wheels on separate axlesturn corners easily becauseeach wheel rolls as far as itneeds to roll.

5

Page 17: Lego Wheels & Axles

About the Wheel W h e e l and Axle Concept ModelsExplore Sliding versus Rolling(Photocopy master on page 16)

• Build modelSlide your model across different surfaces, such as a tabletopand a carpet.Notice how hard you must push to make your model slide.• Add more elements to build model 2.Now that you have added wheels and axles, push your modelacross the same surfaces. What is the difference?(You-do not-have to push as hard to-make-the model move,The wheels have reduced the friction.)• Add more elements to build model 3.Make sure the wheels can turn freely. Predict what happenswhen you push your model on the end and on the side.(You do not have to push it very hard on the end to make itmove in the direction the wheels are facing. When you pushon the side, the model usually slides instead of rolls.)

• Make a ramp.Let your model roll down the ramp. How far did it travel?Explore how to make it go farther.

• Change two wheels for larger ones to build model 4.Predict how far your model will go now when you let it rolldown the ramp.Try it! (Usually it will go farther than model 3, because thelarger heavier wheels tend to keep turning/or a longer time)• Main ideas:It takes less force to push a wheeled object than to slide a non-wheeled object.Larger wheels tend tokeep turning for alonger time.

A , Model 1

AL Model 2

S Model 3

a S l o p e

,Ah„ Model 4

Model 5: Single Axle M o d e l 6: Separate Axles—

Model 7: Rollers

HAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE 17

Page 18: Lego Wheels & Axles

Idea for a test track.

18 MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR STUDENT REFERENCE

About the WheelWe generally think of a wheel as a solid disk or as a circular ring with spokes, designed to turnaround a smaller axle (a rod) passing through its center. The idea of a wheel to help moveheavy objects has been around for more than 5,000 years. We do not know who invented thewheel, but most likely it originated in Mesopotamia (the area of present-day Iraq).

small are

Round wooden rollers were used befbre axles were invented.

This example of a solid wheel Jr nr n

Mesopotamia, about 3,000 B.C., has twowooden semicircles Astened together

The wheel and axle combination is one of the simple machines. The wheel and the attachedaxle both turn at the same speed. However, the force needed to turn one or the other differsbecause the diameter of the wheel is generally larger than that of the axle. Applying a smallforce to turn the larger wheel produces a larger force to turn the smaller axle, as in a winch,for example. Familiarize yourself with wheels and axles by working through activities onpages 4-7. Photocopy the drawings on pages 16-17 for easy reference.You may wish to provide these activities to your students as well.Elements from the LEGO DACTA Wheel and Axle building set.

large tim hub

This spoked wheel is typicalof those used by the Rontans

amund 100 AD.

axlekonnector peg3

Page 19: Lego Wheels & Axles

LEGO DACTA®Wheel andhie Set

Contents

Activities

Objectives

Dis tr ibuted by:L EG O D AC IA AROK-7190Denmark

L EG O anti D AC TA n e tradcaveks o f the L EO 0 Ga m,.@ 1995 @id 1998 The LEGO Group.

Introduction

This booklet has been developed by teachers to supportand guide you andiour students throuyour explorationof the LEGO DACTA Wheel and Axle Set (119616).The booklet contains:• Information about wheels and axles• Simple hands-on activities for wheels and axles• Drawings of possible solutions

Activities for exploring concepts (pages 3-7),investigating principles (pages 9-11), and solvingproblems (pages 12-15) are included for elementarystudents of varying abilities,The activities foster and enhance cooperative learning inteams of two students per building set.

After performing the activities in this booklet, studentswill be able to:• Define a wheel and axle as a simple machine.• Build a wheeled model which turns a corner easily.• Build a wheeled model which transports a load.• Build a model which uses a wheel traced by a crank

handle.• Have fun with wheels and axles!

Building Element Survey4 each, small Lim, black

4 2 each, axle 4 studs long,4 0° S) black

6 Leach, axle_6 studniong,black

10

2 each, large Mu, black

6 each, hub, yellow

1 each, axle 10 studs long,black

12 1 each, axle 12 studs long,black

szoir 2 each, plate with teeth,yellow

e - M 11 e a ch , h a nd l eb a r, gray

O r1 each , crank, gray

p 6 each, small pulley, gray

a6 each, bushing, gray

1 each, catch, gray

0 1.9 8 each, axletconnector peg,

gray

t Eti ) I each, 2 x 2 round plate,

white

1 each, 2 x 2 round plate,yellow

2 each, 1 x 2 plate, yellow

2 each, I x 4 plate, yel low

2 each,_ I x 10 plat, yellow

2 each, 2 x 4 plate withholes, yellow

-88-81E

4 each, 2 x 8 plate withholes, yellow

Isk 2 each, i x 2 angled beam,

red

8 each, I x 2 beam, red

1 each, steering wheel, gray

2 each, 1 a 12 beam, red

1 each, string, black

I each, figure, girl

S t e nanes LEGO and LEGO D AC TA mei tie LEGO logo roe exclusive liadetniaks IN T R EL 2 G 0 AC ,Printed ie Denmark by Lama ta lande r . e 1995 LEGO Group. ISBN 1-579561113.6. 19

Page 20: Lego Wheels & Axles

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LEGO Dacta is t h e l d i v i s i o n of the LEGO Group,