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Programs for Talented Youth

Summer SAVY 2023 Session 1, Day 2 – Creative Contraptions (Kent)

Posted by on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in blog, SAVY.

Day 2:  Today we discussed the difference between a discovery and an invention. We then moved on to discussing simple machines and were introduced to the Wedge, Wheel and Axle, Lever, Inclined Plane, the Screw, and Pulleys. 

We discussed different scenarios with problems encountered in everyday life and developed solutions for them. After learning about simple machines, we then used this knowledge to help develop contraptions to solve the problems they come up with. 

Questions to ask at dinnertime: 

  • What is a discovery? What is an invention? 
  • What is a simple machine, and can you name some? 
  • How is the fulcrum affected when the load on one side is heavier than the other?