Tangrams! A simple machines challenge.

What do tangrams have to do with simple machines?

Room 9 had to make their own tangram puzzles from a single piece of balsa wood. Which simple machine did they use to make the puzzle? A wedge. Wedges separate things, either two different objects, or splitting one object into two like knives do. Because Mr Wong likes martial arts and zombies, Room 9 also learnt about the difference in usage between swords (thin, light, cut, fast) and axes (thick, heavy, chop, slow).

Once Room 9 measured, ruled, and erased guide lines, they needed to cut the pieces out of the wood. They found out that slicing / cutting takes several passes along the same line to cut through something.

After cutting out all of the pieces they had to try and make a house and a yacht before challenging themselves to do other shapes.

 

Here is the album for more photos:

Tangrams - simple machines