In this game, players use found objects to create simple machines. They take on the role of Twitch, a robot whose job it is to pick up random spare parts lying around a museum. The catch? Twitch is known to take things easy, so he must collect the objects with as little physical effort as possible. In challenging players to solve each scenario with a minimum of force, the game allows for playful explorations of inclines, planes, pulleys, force, levers, gravity, gears, and more. Educators can use the game to introduce a unit on simple machines or to review what students have come away with after such a unit. The game is also perfect for use in classroom learning stations.
In this lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-6, students use BrainPOP Jr. and BrainPOP resources (including an online science game) to explore simple machines. Students participate in cooperative hands-on learning activities to investigate different types of simple machines. They will also create their own simple machines during online gameplay and afterward using classroom materials. This lesson plan is aligned to Common Core State Standards. See more »