I. Intro

    One of the simple machines, the inclined plane is used to make moving things vertically much easier. The main concept behind the inclined plane is that by increasing the length over which the object must be moved, you can reduce the amount of force needed to move it.

    The overall goal is to acquaint the students with the advantage of using inclined planes. The students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Identify the benefits of using the inclined plane.

2. Calculate the force needed to move an object using an inclined plane.

3. Identify everyday uses of the inclined plane.

4. Use the inclined plane in their Rube Goldberg activity.

    The teacher will begin by showing, separately, a length of wood and a block and ask the students to identify them. The teacher will then put the two together to form an inclined plane and have the students identify what it now is. Next, the teacher will explain the inclined plane's main advantage, and then demonstrate it. Finally, the teacher will go through some examples with the students on the overhead.

1. Inclined plane transparencies and overhead projector

2. White/chalk board

1. Piece of plywood

2. Books

3. Spring scale

4. Object to pull up inclined plane

1. Show the piece of plywood and the block and have the students identify them.

2. Put them together and have the students identify them when used together.

3. Ask where inclined planes are used in everyday life.

4. Talk about the main advantage of the inclined plane.

5. Show the equation to calculate the force required to move an object using an inclined plane.

6. Demonstrate the equation using a spring scale, an inclined plane and an object.

7. Do some sample equations with the students on the overhead.

1. Math

2. Science

3. Physics

4. Energy & Power

5. Design

    Inclined planes are used everywhere and are very important parts of our lives. A road, which zigzags back and forth up a mountain, decreases the strain on our car's engine, but increases the distance we must travel to get up the mountain. Inclined planes are integral to those people who are in wheelchairs, because inclined planes or ramps, allow them easy access to buildings.

- Newtons         - force         - inclined plane         - friction

1. What is the main advantage of using inclined planes?

2. What are some everyday uses of inclined planes?

3. What equation do we use to calculate the force needed to move an object up an inclined plane?

4. Which people are credited for using inclined planes to build some world famous structures?

5. Name those structures.

    Inclined planes are one of the most influential "machines" of our time. Originally used by the Egyptians to build the pyramids, they are now used as wedges to chop wood, wrapped around rods to make screws, and used in their simplest form to make moving things easier, like putting a piano into a moving truck or making access to a building for people in wheelchairs much easier. We must always remember that inclined planes are very important in everyone's life.