Question 106
In this project you are going to use your knowledge of forces to describe how forces are used in a machine or equipment.
Choose a business, factory, transport or farm to visit in your area that uses a machine or equipment where you can identify the forces.
Here are some examples:
- farm equipment such as a pump or a tractor
- a sewing factory that makes clothes
- a factory that makes car parts or computers or any household appliance
- a bus or train service
- a scrapyard that uses magnets to separate iron and steel from other metals
- a water-purification centre.
Work in pairs or small groups. Decide what you will choose for your project. Ask your teacher if they think this is suitable.
Make a questionnaire with questions to ask on your visit. Questions can include:
- What machines do you use?
- How does the machine operate? Does it use electricity or fuel?
- What slows down the machine? Is there friction with air or water, or between surfaces?
- How can you overcome the friction?
Visit your chosen example. Go with an adult or older brother or sister. Take your questionnaire and a pencil and notebook. Take photographs if possible (ask permission first!). Or make drawings.
Make a simple force diagram of the machine or equipment you see.
Arrange your pictures and information on an A4 sheet of paper.
Give your project a heading.
Editorial safety note: arrange the visit with a responsible adult and the site, obey all site rules, stay in visitor areas and do not touch or operate machinery.
Choose a business, factory, transport or farm to visit in your area that uses a machine or equipment where you can identify the forces.
Here are some examples:
- farm equipment such as a pump or a tractor
- a sewing factory that makes clothes
- a factory that makes car parts or computers or any household appliance
- a bus or train service
- a scrapyard that uses magnets to separate iron and steel from other metals
- a water-purification centre.
Work in pairs or small groups. Decide what you will choose for your project. Ask your teacher if they think this is suitable.
Make a questionnaire with questions to ask on your visit. Questions can include:
- What machines do you use?
- How does the machine operate? Does it use electricity or fuel?
- What slows down the machine? Is there friction with air or water, or between surfaces?
- How can you overcome the friction?
Visit your chosen example. Go with an adult or older brother or sister. Take your questionnaire and a pencil and notebook. Take photographs if possible (ask permission first!). Or make drawings.
Make a simple force diagram of the machine or equipment you see.
Arrange your pictures and information on an A4 sheet of paper.
Give your project a heading.
Editorial safety note: arrange the visit with a responsible adult and the site, obey all site rules, stay in visitor areas and do not touch or operate machinery.
