Lesson Package | Crazy Floors

Description

Students build and test Crazy Floors models D6 and D7 to explore how different pulley arrangements affect the speed of rotation. Model D6 has a 1:1 ratio, so both sides turn at the same speed, while D7 has different pulley arrangements that make Sam’s side turn faster than Sally’s side. Students then explore other pulley arrangements, record their observations, and draw examples of everyday machines and mechanisms where pulleys are used.

Educational Standards

• NGSS
Disciplinary Core Ideas: Physical Science
MS-PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

• Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation
Systems and system models

• Science and Engineering Practices
Asking questions and Defining Problems
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

• Common Core State Standards Mathematics
Standards for Mathematical Practice
MP1 / MP3 / MP5 / MP6 / MP7

• Writing Standards
W.3.2 / W.4.2 / W.5.2

• Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
SL.3.1 / SL.4.1 / SL.4.3 / SL.5.1