It has been a pleasure getting to know the Class 7s this term and we have made a great start looking at how simple machines are integrated into everything we use each day.  

As we learn about each machine and the mechanical advantages (or trade-offs) they provide, students take part in experiments in which they can feel and experience the forces for themselves. For example, our skeptical students were very surprised that one person could shift a 300kg boulder with the correct application of leverage, and there was a divide in the group regarding the most efficient way to carry an anvil up the hill; take the short/steep route and use more effort for less time, or take the long/gentle slope and take longer to get there but with less effort.  

We will continue this ML topic into Term Two, but we will finish this term by looking at compound pulleys as this will lead to their application within the skiffs they will pilot on the sailing camp.