A Web‐Based Instructional Module for Teaching Middle School Students Engineering Design with Simple Machines*

Abstract The current work describes an instructional module that emphasizes integrative design using six simple machines: the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the screw, and the gear. The emphasis of this module is to have students investigate the underlying scientific and mathematical properties of the “machines,” and then integrate this knowledge to design creative solutions to problems. This simple machines module makes use of an original web‐based multimedia learning environment as well as off‐line, hands‐on building activities with the LEGO TM Technic I set. The current instructional module was used in a pilot study in an Introduction to Engineering class, and we include preliminary results from this study.