Engineering for middle school: a web-based module for learning and designing with simple machines

The current work describes an instructional module which emphasizes integrative design using the six simple machines of the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the screw, and gear. The emphasis of this module is on having the students investigate the underlying scientific and mathematical properties of the 'machines', and then integrating this knowledge to design creative solutions to problems. This simple machines module makes use of an original web-based multimedia learning environment as well as off-line hands-on building activities with the LEGO Technic I set.