# Maker Skills: Machines and Materials

## Overview
This chapter focuses on exploring and applying the concept of simple machines through engaging, hands-on projects. Students learn how simple machines like levers, pulleys, wheels, axles, and propellers are used in everyday objects and how to use them to create functional toys and maintain bicycles. The aim is to develop engineering skills using easily available materials and promote creativity, problem-solving, and safety.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Understanding Simple Machines
- Simple machines help reduce effort in doing tasks and are the building blocks of complex machines.
- Examples include: **lever**, **pulley**, **wheel and axle**, **inclined plane**.
- Common uses: door handles, bicycles, toys, and buses.

### 2. Historical Use of Simple Machines
- Ancient Indian temples were built using simple machines like inclined planes and pulleys.
- These machines made it possible to lift and place large stone blocks with minimal force.

### 3. Making Toys Using Simple Machines
Students build toys from waste materials to understand how each simple machine functions.

#### A. Lever-Based Toys
- **Examples**: Catapult, Robotic Arm, Lazy Tongs.
- **Key Concept**: A lever is a rigid bar that moves around a fixed point (fulcrum).
- **Materials Used**: Ice cream sticks, rubber bands, spoons, toothpicks, bottle caps.

#### B. Propeller-Based Toys
- **Example**: Elastic Band Boat.
- **Key Concept**: A rotating blade or wheel generates motion.
- **Materials Used**: Bottle caps, straws, rubber bands, ice cream sticks.

#### C. Wheel and Axle-Based Toys
- **Examples**: Rubber Band Car, Air Balloon Car.
- **Key Concept**: Axles connect wheels, reducing friction and making movement easier.
- **Materials Used**: Bottle caps, straws, chopsticks, rubber bands, balloons.

#### D. Combined Simple Machines
- **Example**: Windmill.
- Combines a propeller and a wheel-and-axle mechanism.
- Promotes understanding of how machines can work together.

### 4. Learning Through Practice
Students are encouraged to:
- Draw or photograph their models.
- Write operating instructions.
- Explain concepts to peers.


## 5. Simple Machines in a Bicycle
- A bicycle is a complex machine made up of several simple machines:
- **Wheels and axles** – allow the bicycle to roll.
- **Levers** – found in pedals and brakes.
- **Pulleys** – used in the chain system.
- **Main Bicycle Parts & Functions**:
- *Brakes*: Stop or slow the bicycle.
- *Chain and Sprockets*: Transfer pedal force to wheels.
- *Frame*: Supports rider and connects parts.
- *Handlebars*: Steering.
- *Spokes, Hubs, Tyres*: Support wheels and provide balance and traction.
- **Common Maintenance Tasks**:
- Fixing flat tyres.
- Oiling chains and brakes.
- Adjusting seats and handlebars.

### 6. Repair and Maintenance Skills
Students learn how to:
- Identify bicycle issues like rust, loose parts, and misaligned wheels.
- Use tools such as spanners, tyre levers, chain brush, and air pump.
- Work safely while using tools and materials.

### 7. Activities for Learning
- **Activity 1**: Identifying simple machines in everyday tools (knife, peeler).
- **Activity 2–5**: Making toys using levers, propellers, wheels, axles.
- **Activity 6**: Exploring simple machines in a bicycle.
- **Activity 7**: Visiting a bicycle repair shop and interviewing mechanics.
- **Activity 8**: Organising a toy exhibition in school.

### 8. Skills Developed
- Creativity and innovation.
- Teamwork and problem-solving.
- Engineering and mechanical reasoning.
- Safety and responsibility with tools and machines.

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## New Terms and Simple Definitions

| Term | Simple Definition |
|------------------|-------------------|
| Simple machine | A tool that makes work easier |
| Lever | A bar that moves to lift or push things |
| Pulley | A wheel with a rope used to lift things |
| Wheel and axle | A wheel joined to a rod to move objects |
| Axle | A rod through a wheel that helps it turn |
| Propeller | A spinning blade that moves a toy or boat |
| Friction | The force that slows down moving objects |
| Catapult | A toy that uses force to throw something |
| Sprocket | A toothed wheel that holds the chain |
| Chain brush | A tool to clean the bicycle chain |

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## Practice Questions

### Easy (3)
1. **What is a simple machine?**
→ A tool that makes our work easier.

2. **Name one toy that uses a lever.**
→ Catapult.

3. **Which part of a bicycle helps it move forward?**
→ Pedals and chain.

### Medium (2)
4. **How does a wheel and axle help in movement?**
→ It reduces friction and helps in moving objects smoothly.

5. **Why should you oil the chain of a bicycle regularly?**
→ To avoid rust and keep it moving smoothly.

### Difficult (3)
6. **Explain how a robotic arm uses levers.**
→ It uses multiple connected sticks (levers) that move together to lift or hold things.

7. **What is the function of spokes in a bicycle?**
→ They connect the rim to the hub and provide strength and balance to the wheel.

8. **How can you use waste materials to make a toy car?**
→ By using bottle caps as wheels, straws as axles, and rubber bands to power the movement.

### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Design a toy using two simple machines and explain how each part works.**
→ Example: A windmill using a propeller and wheel-axle; propeller spins with wind and axle rotates to simulate energy generation.

10. **Why do we say a bicycle is a complex machine? Give examples from the chapter.**
→ Because it is made of many simple machines like levers (brakes), pulleys (chain system), and wheels and axles that work together.

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