by Lora Gettleman, Skokie School
Mary Schulz, Winnetka Public Schools
Gina Wild, Skokie School
Modified by Mary Schulz, Winnetka Public Schools
The Skokie School needs new playground equipment and we would like you to be a part of the design team. After researching and learning about simple machines, you will design four new pieces of playground equipment, per team, for the school playground.
Teacher Introduction
This webquest involves building knowledge of simple machines and applying that knowledge to create playground equipment. This webquest incorporates national standards in science, language arts, and technology. Students will also work on developing stronger research skills, teamwork skills, and public speaking skills.
Students are placed in teams of four and then assigned to research simple machines individually. Once they have gathered information on simple machines, they will then use that information to design playground equipment. After they have designed their playground equipment they then prepare a model and class presentation. During the presentation the students will describe their simple machine, how the machine is included in the playground equipment, and show a visual model of their playground equipment.