Unit 5 Design and Mechanics
Introduction to Gears
Concepts taught:
Gears
and Speed
Circumference
Conversion
of Units
Measurement
Mechanical
Advantage
Conversion
of units
Simple
Machines
Reading
Diagrams and Following Directions
Resources:
General Gear
Worksheet and General
Gear Worksheet Solution
Prepare examples of common mechanisms that use gears.
Prepare a demonstration of the various gears use in Lego kits.
Demonstrate how to calculate
the gear ratios and predict mechanical advantage.
Provide inquiry based activities that allow students to
explore gear ratios and mechanical advantage.
Students will:
Participate in a teacher led discussion on:
Spur gears, bevel gears, and worm
gears
How gears change speed and
distance
Calculating Gear ratios
Observe a demonstration of changing speeds using gears.
Activities:
List at least 20 common items that use gears
Change speeds on Tankbot using gears.
Complete:
Laboratory investigations on how
changing gear ratios on Tankbot changes speed and distance.
Teacher developed worksheet on Gears and Gear
Ratios
Teacher developed worksheet on Gears and
Speed