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This Machines and Tools (Part 2) activity also includes:
Which pulley system will give us a whale of a good time? Teams compare the theoretical and actual mechanical advantages of different pulley systems. They then form a recommendation for how to move a whale from an aquarium back to the ocean.
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CCSS:
Designed
Concepts
Instructional Ideas
- Have the groups calculate the distance pulled and compare it to the distance the weight moves for each pulley arrangement
- Lead a discussion about when the mechanical advantage is no longer an advantage due to the length of the input distance
Classroom Considerations
- Class members may need to stand on a desk or ladder to attach the pulley system to the ceiling
- The sixth in a 10-part series
Pros
- The activity handout is in both a PDF and docx format
- The resource has the groups determine possible errors in their measurements or calculations and to determine the percent error — a great skill
Cons
- None