TryEngineering.org: Discover the creative engineer in you. Accreditation.org: The ultimate resource for engineering, computing and technology accreditation. TryNano.org: Nanotechnology for a wider audience.  
         TryEngineering Home > Lesson Plans > Lesson Plan Detail
Discover the creative engineer in you
Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan Survey
Give Me a Brake      print | email
  Download Text Version of Worksheet
(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)

Lesson Focus
Lesson focuses on brakes, force, and friction, using bicycle rim brakes to demonstrate basic braking mechanisms to stop, slow, or prevent motion.

Lesson Synopsis

The Give Me a Brake activity explores the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion. Students examine the operation of a bicycle brake and use low cost materials to devise a simple braking system, then work as a team to suggest improvements to current bicycle brake designs.

Age Levels:   8-18

Objectives
  • Learn about braking systems.
  • Learn about force and friction.
  • Learn about the interaction between different materials.
  • Learn about teamwork and the engineering problem solving/design process.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
  • force and friction
  • brakes
  • impact of engineering and
  • technology on society
  • engineering problem solving
  • teamwork



Lesson Activities

Students learn about how basic rim bicycle brakes work, and discuss force and friction. Students work in teams to experience a simple braking system using three different materials, they discuss advantages of each, develop recommend changes to improve bicycle braking systems, and present to class.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheets (attached)
  • Student Worksheet (attached)


Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Categories

Energy, Engineering Design, Motion And Forces

Take Survey

home about contact us links sitemap disclaimer