Target Curriculum: Science
Target Grades: 8
SOLs:
- Primary - PS. 1, PS.10, HSS 2.1
- Secondary - A.7
Time: Two, 50-minute classes
Objective and Goals:
- To perform experiments with simple machines and write up the results.
- To research the construction of the step pyramid and the three pyramids at Giza.
Purpose:
To understand how the ancient Egyptians used simple machines in constructing pyramids.
Materials:
- flat board (plywood, rigid game board, etc.)
- set of 3 books
- string
- protractor
- aluminum foil
|
- pencils
- rulers
- tape
- sandpaper
- spring scale
|
Procedure:
- Brainstorm the uses of ramps in today's world and why they are useful. Remind students of the concept that ramps are indeed simple machines.
- Have students work in small groups (3-4). Tie a set of 3 books together and attach to a spring scale.
- Predict the amount of force needed to lift the books 12 inches above the surface. Record prediction.
- Lift books straight up, note the reading on the scale, and record the actual amount of force needed.
- Place the flat board at a 45-degree angle. Again have students predict the amount of force needed to pull the books up the ramp. Record this prediction.
- Pull the books up the ramp and record the actual amount of force needed.
- Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the board. Predict the amount of force needed to pull the books up the ramp. Record the prediction.
- Pull the set of books up the ramp recording the actual amount of force needed.
- Repeat the experiment with sandpaper. Record results.
- Experiment with placing the board at different angles of your choice. Record both the prediction and actual amount of force needed.
Observation:
Make sure that all students participate in the experiments. Students developed better predictions as the experiments proceeded.
Conclusions:
Students developed a sense of how the ancient Egyptians were able to move such massive blocks to construct a pyramid. By experimenting with a variety of angles, students determined which angle was more suitable for pulling blocks of stone.
For Your Information:
There are many wonderful Web sites that give information about Turkey and its significance in the histories of Greece and Rome. Check www.pwnet.org for additional resources.
Extension:
- Write a story about the construction of a pyramid from a worker's perspective.
- Determine your legacy by choosing your personal contents that could be found in your pyramid.
Class Discussion Questions:
- 1. Why do you think it was important for a pyramid to be built on level ground?
- How do you think workers went about leveling out the area designated for the building of a pyramid?
- Through your experiments, what did you find out about the amount of force needed to pull something up a ramp?
- A lot of knowledge of physics is required to build a pyramid. How do you think the ancient Egyptians acquired this knowledge?
- Experts agree that pyramid construction would probably not have been possible without the use of ramps; however, they disagree on how they were built. Through your research of the construction of a pyramid, what are your theories?
- What do you think the ancient Egyptians did to lessen the amount of friction when they hauled the blocks of stone up the ramps?
Written By: Amy Merrihue
Submitted By: Amy Merrihue (amerrihu@wcs.k12.va.us)
Grade Taught: 8
School: E.B. Stanley Middle School (school homepage: http://ebsms.wcs.k12.va.us)
Division: Washington County Public Schools