Science experiments

Investigating forces

Old ways, new ways

The Year Sevens have been learning about forces and simple machines in Science. Simple machines such as levers, pulleys and wheels are designed to make difficult tasks easier by changing the amount or direction of force needed to complete a task.

 

The students explored the efficiency of levers through the context of tools used by First Nations People such as the ‘woomera’. This link to the Australian Curriculum acknowledges the millennia of contribution of Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People to contemporary science. These technologies are seen today in the use of the humble ball thrower.

 

Students needed to plan, perform and analyse an experiment that investigates how the position of effort on a ball thrower affects the distance the ball travels. Year 7 student, Millie Stancil, pictured right with Aasha Saunders and Massimo Macri, said “I learnt that there are a number of forces acting upon us every day. Also, that the amount of force used to throw something is affected by the positioning of your hand. It was fun to get to go outside and go experiment with your friends.”

 

Thank you to Mrs Gustafsson for her work in developing and implementing this activity for Year 7 Science classes. 

 

Mr R D'Almeida

(Head of Learning Area - Science)