Overview

Simple Machines is a visually appealing, colorful app that lets students work with simple machines including:

• Lever
• Wheels
• Inclined plane
• Screw
• Wedge
• Pulley

Students investigate each simple machine and a guide book gives teachers and parents some ideas along the way. The graphics are really neat and with a unique style to them.  It is clearly not a game and is mostly a learning tool. It should be used as part of a learning lesson in class.

Concerns

The app has a non standard look to it and at the outset I frankly thought it was gonig to be a more open-ended type of program.Sample Uses

• Use it to teach a design unit for students where they first sketch out what they want for a robot then build it.
• Students reflect on cause and effect.  What they thought would work and what actually worked in robot design.

Do I Plan to Use It?

I think so. I will look for some teachers who use simple machines and see what we can do from there.

Commitment and Learning Curve

Low commitment; medium learning curve.

Best for ES MS or HS?

ES

Cost

2.99 USD

Website

tinybop.com  and look for Robot Factory