Class Information

   
  Simple Machines and Motorized Mechanisms
   
  

~~In this year long class students will investigate the principles of simple machines and structures.  They will build Lego models of simple machines, then models incorporating simple machines and structures (many of them motorized) and in the second semester we will incorporate models using pneumatics and renewable energy (new this year).  We will experiment with balanced and unbalanced forces and friction; measure distance, time, speed, and weight; and much more.

The curriculum lists the following objectives:
Design & make models that fulfill specific criteria / Observe the behavior of models / Make assumptions and predictions / Test the assumptions & predictions / Reflect & redesign / Record findings & Present findings / Think creatively to try to explain how things work / Establish links between cause and effect / Design & make models that fulfill specific criteria / Try ideas using results from observations and measurements / Ask questions that can be investigated scientifically / Reflect on how to find answers / Imagine new possibilities / Make fair tests by changing single factors and observing & measuring the effects / Make systematic observations and measurements /  Display and communicate data using diagrams, drawings, tables, bar charts and line graphs / Decide whether conclusions agree with the predictions made / and whether conclusions enable further predictions / Review their work and describe significance and limitations.

The curriculum is designed for students to collaborate in groups of two.

   
  Instructor: Kaster, Judith
  Instructor Bio:
  Judith Kaster is in her fifth year at Palaestra. Her homeschool adventure started 18ish years ago, when her twins were ready for first grade. Both she and her husband (Bob Kaster, the electronics teacher) graduated with engineering Masters degrees from the University of Michigan, where they also first encountered homeschooling families and thus, not afraid of math and science and oblivious to unforeseen challenges, they embarked on the journey. Both volunteered and taught/tutored off and on through the years, Judith mostly Math, Chemistry (undergraduate major) German (native language) and Guitar (hobby). Bob has worked as an Electrical Engineer for 25+ years. We graduated three homeschool students: twins in 2013 and the youngest in 2016. With Judith as their math teacher, all three of her children have achieved a solid understanding of Algebra 1 and 2 and ACT scores in the low 30s and 29 and have thus won valuable college scholarships. Her oldest two students have been employed as Math tutors at Oakland University starting their freshman year,…., have just graduated from OU and are both pursuing PhD’s in Chemistry (UIUC and Northwestern U). Her youngest has just finished her freshman year at Cedarville University. The Kasters are members of Woodside Church in White Lake.
   
  Fee: $85
  Material Fee: $15
  Minimum Age: 8
  Maximum Age: 10
   
  
Day:FridayTime:9:00 amLength:1 Hours
   
  
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