Prior to beginning this project, introduce simple machines to your class. We suggest reading the chapter on simple machines in your Science text book. The WebQuest works well as a follow up activity after reading Stuart Little, by E.B. White.

This lesson was developed as part of the Virginia Standards of Learning for Science 3.2 for simple machines.

Students should be able to:

• identify an differentiate the six types of simple machines (lever, screw, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and wedge).
• differentiate and classify specific examples of simple machines found in schools and household items.
• design and construct an apparatus that contains a simple machine.

Stuart Little is home alone and has received a package that he needs to bring inside the house. The goal of this WebQuest is to help Stuart Little with his problem by designing and constucting a complex machine from simple machines.