Simple Machines

KDH are always busy in the block area. We've had garages, houses, and animal habitats. Around Purim time there were many castles and palaces. Today, Motty and Dovi called me over to show me a bulldozer that they created. We talked about why they used the cylindrical blocks as wheels. I told them, "You have made a great discovery! You are using a wheel, a simple machine." We examined how well it moved across the floor, so much better than a simple block.
Dovi and Motti brought their bulldozer to our circle time. It sparked a discussion of simple machines. It was pointed out that dragging things along the floor creates friction and makes it difficult to move objects. We rubbed our hands together and felt the warmth created by friction. We determined that putting something on wheels would make our work much easier. Sholom asked a question, " But how will you lift it up on top of the wheels?!" We thought further. How about an inclined plane? We could make one, a ramp with blocks too.
We read the book, Simple Machines by E. Fowler and thought about wheels and axles, inclined planes, levers and wedges and pulleys. Simple Machines are everywhere. Jonah pointed out that spoons, forks and knives are all simple machines. Mia loves the wheels on bikes. Max said his father has tools that are simple machines.
As we begin our Pesach preparation, we will try and connect this to the slave labor the Jews did in Egypt. Do you think they had any simple machines?

Morah Ruth